This. Is. The best recording I've watched of Don Giovanni. Not only is it the first ever recording of Don Giovanni I've watched, it is also the first Mozart opera in my life. The direction: impeccable. Karajan: absolute legend. The singing, most importantly, is spectacular. Tomowa-Sintow's Donna Anna is tragic, with her voice being thick and dramatic which brings out her dedication in her character. Battle as Zerlina is innocent but with a mischievous and witty streak, which I see as the best interpretation of Zerlina in my opinion. Várády, the best of all, as Donna Elvira portrays her inner conflict between loving Don Giovanni and wanting to revenge him. The titular character being played by one of my favourite basses(Samuel Ramey) portrays Giovanni's magnetic charisma and charm while failing his conquests. Furlanetto is easily the best Leporello in the history of Don Giovanni recordings. His lenient manners towards his master while trying to be a voice of reason to Don Giovanni is portrayed well in this production, his nervousness contrasting with Giovanni's haughtiness. Winbergh as Don Ottavio differs from the typical sweet, submissive tenor in opera. His clear voice shows his character as righteous and his anger is not diminished, unlike other tenors in the role. I will highly recommend this production to opera newcomers and aficionados alike.
