What? Another Don Giovanni? With an almost unknown cast, orchestra, and conductor (about whom we are told absolutely nothing in the accompanying Italian-only libretto)? Is this set trying to commit suicide? Well, it’s a perfectly good performance (certainly better than, say, Barenboim’s), one I would have loved to have seen and certainly didn’t mind listening to. Recorded live (in Sardinia, perhaps), we get lots of stage movement, some unwanted applause, and occasionally less-than-spotless ensemble, but there are still plenty of good things to find here.
Elisabetta Maschio’s fleet tempos never seem an affectation, and the orchestra, which has the word “Giovanile” (youthful) as part of its name, while not exactly world-class, certainly doesn’t sound like what we know as a “youth orchestra.” Indeed, they keep up with her nicely, with clean attacks and a delightful rhythmic verve. Umberto Chummo’s Don Giovanni is nicely sung and characterized; he’s impatient and whimsical, and very sure of himself. He dispatches “Finch’an del vino” in one minute and five seconds–a record, I believe–without dropping any notes or syllables. Andrea Concetti’s Leporello happily has a voice that sounds nothing like his master’s, and, without mugging, manages to come across as both arrogant and servile–the ideal combination.
Michela Remor may not have a particularly memorable sound, but her Donna Anna is admirably sung and energetic, and her voice is exactly the right weight for the part (although “Non mi dir” stretches her to her limits). Far less appealing is Alice Forgiero’s Elvira–excitingly presented and urgent, but harsh-toned, pitch-unfriendly, and occasionally sloppy in delivery. Whoever Silvia Tro’Santafe’ is, her Zerlina is fabulous– innocent and sensual at once. Bruno Lazzaretti’s Ottavio is more spunky than most (it could be the tempos), well-sung and inflected, and occasionally, as in “Dalla sua pace,” downright gorgeous. The others in the cast are quite good. In all, this is a fine presentation of this great opera–not, perhaps, a first or second choice, but respectable, respectful, and highly entertaining.
