Mozart's libertine nobleman returns to add to his catalogue.
by Paul J. Pelkonen
Some evils never die, and some productions keep getting revived. Such is the case with the Metropolitan Opera's Michael Grandage staging of Don Giovanni. It's back, and it's going down in flames. Good thing then that it's one of the best operas ever written.
What is Don Giovanni?
Don Giovanni is called a dramma giocoso, a rollicking comedy with a dark and morally instructive ending. It is the second of three operatic collaborations between Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, who injected notes from his own libertine lifestyle into this portrait of a Spanish nobleman who is absolutely obsessed with getting his ashes hauled. Want proof? Look to the "Catalogue Song", where Leporello ennumerates the Don's conquests, including 1,003 women in Spain alone.
Who's in the cast?
The first cast pairs Ildebrando d'Arcangelo's Don with the Leporello of Ildar Abdrazakov. They face a young cast with Rachel Willis-Sørensen, Federica Lombardi and Aida Garifullina among the Don's conquests. Peter Mattei, the Swedish baritone who sang the first performances way back in 2011 returns to his wicked ways in the title role in the April performances. The spring run also stars Susanna Philips, Adam Plachetka and Guanqun Yu.
by Paul J. Pelkonen
 |
| Peter Mattei returns to the role of Don Giovanni at the Met this year. Photo by Marty Sohl © 2019 The Metropolitan Opera. |
What is Don Giovanni?
Don Giovanni is called a dramma giocoso, a rollicking comedy with a dark and morally instructive ending. It is the second of three operatic collaborations between Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, who injected notes from his own libertine lifestyle into this portrait of a Spanish nobleman who is absolutely obsessed with getting his ashes hauled. Want proof? Look to the "Catalogue Song", where Leporello ennumerates the Don's conquests, including 1,003 women in Spain alone.
Who's in the cast?
The first cast pairs Ildebrando d'Arcangelo's Don with the Leporello of Ildar Abdrazakov. They face a young cast with Rachel Willis-Sørensen, Federica Lombardi and Aida Garifullina among the Don's conquests. Peter Mattei, the Swedish baritone who sang the first performances way back in 2011 returns to his wicked ways in the title role in the April performances. The spring run also stars Susanna Philips, Adam Plachetka and Guanqun Yu.
Why should I go see this opera?
Any one of the stellar casts offered in the three "runs" of the opera this season would be good reason to plunk down money. But the real reward in this opera is Mozart's endless, inventive genius. The show is loaded with some of his greatest writing for the voice, from Donna Anna's fiery Act I aria "Or sai chi l'onore" to the light humor of the Catalogue Song and the Act II serenade. The kicker is that final damnation sequence, where the composer whips up a storm of orchestral hellfire that can singe the soul and make one think seriously about repenting one's sins. For more on Don Giovanni and its meaning, click here.
How's the production?
The Met's bad luck with this opera continues. This 2011 staging by Michael Grandage maintains the nocturnal atmosphere of the Don's adventures, with the actions set against moving walls of louvered doors that suggest more the dilapadated no-tell motels of the Jersey shore than the streets of Seville. The darkened sets don't give the actors much to work with, although the blocking of the complex Act I finale (with its three groups of musicians onstage all playing different melodies) is entertaining to watch. The fire sequence at the end is impressive.
When does the show open?
Don Giovanni is the first opera of the generale or regular Metropolitan Opera season. The first cast takes the stage Sept. 27. The second cast arrives Nov. 1. The spring run opens April 26, 2016
Where do I get tickets?
Tickets for Don Giovanni are available through MetOpera.Org or by calling the box office at (212) 362-6000. You can save service fees by going to the box office in person at the Met itself, located at 30 Lincoln Center Plaza. Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10am-8pm, Sunday: 12pm-6pm.
If you enjoyed this article, it's time to click over to Superconductor's Patreon page, and help support the cost of independent music journalism in New York City at the low cost of just $5/month.
