Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #55208 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-09-24
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Formats: Classical, DVD-Video, PAL
• Original language: Italian
• Subtitled in: German, English, Italian, Spanish, French
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 185 minutes

Customer Reviews

A First Class Don despite lack of Hellfire
Of all the many productions of Don Giovanni on offer on DVD I have
always regarded Zurich Opera's 2000 production under Harnoncourt
with Rodney Gilfry in the title role as being close to unsurpassable.
All in all I still believe this to be the case, although this
performance of the 'Opera of all Operas' comes very close.
I would say that it is the lack of hellfire and divine retribution
which prevents this certain production staying in the mind for a
prolonged period after experiencing it.

This DVD is, I would say a must for anyone who prefers modern-dress
productions and the inclusion of dance routines into some of the
arias simply adds to the modern flavour chosen by the prodution team.
As ever the regular singers of Zurich Opera are on top form,
especially Martina Jankova who makes a truly believable and vivacious
Zerlina. Having Simon Keenlyside as the Don proves to be a triumph and,
as usual he makes a very credible, amoral Libertine, even if not
quite as memorable as his recent performances in the same role at Covent
Garden.

The usage of semi-nude models may appear unnecessary to some, however,
I believe their inclusion enhances the overt sexuality and mood of
unrestrained desire which are essential ingredients of any production
of what is probably the world's greatest and most enduring operatic
masterpiece.

As is usually the case with any performance of Don Giovanni,
it is the last scene which tends to be judged the most, owing
to the great confrontation between the Don and the Commendatore.
However, in this production the Commendatore is represented by a
kind of strange voodoo-like stature, which, while being original,
also deprives the opera of an essential visual experience which
usually culminates in the Don being dragged to his eternal
damnation accompained by huge flames and a true sense of awesome
hellfire. In spite of this situation, the Orchestra of the Zurich
Opera House, coupled with first class audio sound, is still able to
bring a suitable amount of force and terror to one of the greatest
climaxes in the history of opera.

In conclusion then, a very enjoyable and at times highly original
account of one of the most perfect artistic creations ever to
emerge from the human mind.