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Mozart: Don Giovanni / Muti, Alvarez, Kirchschlager, Pieczonka

Mozart / Alvarez / Pieczonka / Antonacci / Muti
Release Date: 06/21/2005 
Label:  Tdk   Catalog #: OPDG  
Composer:  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performer:  Franz-Joseph Selig,  Michael Schade,  Adrianne Pieczonka,  Carlos Alvarez,   ... 
Conductor:  Riccardo Muti
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Vienna State Opera Chorus,  Vienna State Opera Orchestra
Number of Discs: 1 
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Notes and Editorial Reviews


To the men first: Carlos Alvarez's Don is terrific both vocally and dramatically. This was taped in 1999 and Alvarez has since become a leading Verdi baritone; even here he's big-voiced. But he's also smooth and sensitive to Mozartian niceties--he whips through "Finch'an del vino" in record time while gently caressing "Deh vieni" and dominating the ensembles as he should. His is not a spiteful Don; he's merely oblivious to others' feelings and he wants what he wants when he wants it. His Leporello, totally unlike him tonally, is the superb bass Ildebrando d'Arcangelo, whose vocal snideness can be either captivating or menacing, and who sings the role in a Read more true cantante fashion. Michael Schade's Ottavio is classy and clearly at the service of Anna; his kowtowing is textually correct and is not without a certain strength. He delivers both arias eloquently, with fine breath control and nuanced dynamics. Lorenzo Regazzo's Masetto is full-voiced and fully realized; he doesn't seem afraid of Giovanni at all, and his naiveté wears off quickly. And Franz-Josef Selig's Commendatore is grave and unhappy--not particularly appealingly sung but effective nonetheless.

Angelika Kirchschlager's Zerlina is the ripest since Horne and Berganza--charming and theatrical. Anna Caterina Antonacci has all the notes and the long breaths--even the longest--for Elvira's difficult music, and the occasional "hootiness" in some top notes is forgivable. She underplays the bizarre humor this part calls for, but perhaps director Roberto de Simone, otherwise right on, is to be blamed for the reserve she exhibits. Adrianne Pieczonka is a strong Anna, with an even range and a true Mozartian style. Her "Non mi dir" has everything; throughout the opera her power and sensitivity go hand-in-hand.


This set also showcases Riccardo Muti at his best. He has recorded this opera on CD (and DVD) more than once (I believe), but here, everything gels. Tempos are fleet, but the singers have room; the precision he's known for is in evidence, but he's not dogmatic. This is "Classical" Mozart at its most superb--no nonsense, no other-worldly or "Romantic" interpretation--the winds are prominently featured, and the lower strings are always commenting. Bravo! The Vienna orchestra does itself proud; the chorus sounds a bit under-staffed.


The picture format is 16:9; the sound is a very fine LPCM Stereo. There are subtitles in English, German, French, and Italian. Brian Large directs for the small screen with his usual fine eye. The costume and set changes may just enchant you as well. Highly recommended.
--Robert Levine, ClassicsToday.com Read less

Works on This Recording

1. Don Giovanni, K 527 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performer:  Franz-Joseph Selig (Bass), Michael Schade (Tenor), Adrianne Pieczonka (Soprano),
Carlos Alvarez (Baritone), Angelika Kirchschlager (Mezzo Soprano), Anna Caterina Antonacci (Soprano),
Lorenzo Regazzo (Baritone)
Conductor:  Riccardo Muti
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Vienna State Opera Chorus,  Vienna State Opera Orchestra
Period: Classical 
Written: 1787; Prague 

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