Have you seen or are you planning to see Don Giovanni? What do you think about the production?
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He’s charismatic. He’s sexy. He’s so, so dangerous. His sweet serenades go to your head like champagne, but his total lack of remorse is hard to swallow. One moment the music is dark and ominous, the next it flies high on adrenalin.
Don Giovanni loves the thrill of the chase, but his deeds are beginning to catch up with him. He can outrun a jilted lover and dodge a jealous boyfriend but a figure from beyond the grave? That might stop him in his tracks.
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I am really looking forward to seeing Opera Australia's Don Giovanni, for a long time opera lover, this is one Opera I know I can take my boyfriend to and he wont think its 'whimpy'. The characters are strong, the story is engaging and the music is 'to die for'. And Opera Australia is making much more modern rendition of this opera than the norm - which is refreshing if you have seen an opera a few times over the years.
ReplyDeletePip Moore - music@pipmoore.com
From Don Giovanni’s opening murder to his earth-shattering end—this opera has it all. Love, jealousy, double-dealing, mistaken identities, and broken hearts aplenty: all are set to magnificent music, beautifully performed by an impressive crew. Teddy Tahu Rhodes' Don oozes testosterone. A relentless womanizer, he struts the stage in leather, his voice at once masterful and seductive. Sydney’s Opera House provides a wonderfully intimate venue for his seductions, and Saturday’s audience responded with laughter and plentiful, well-deserved, applause. Opera Australia has done it again: it's successfully put the "Oz" into Mozart and made sure that there was heaps of "art" for all to enjoy as well!
ReplyDeleteMozart's 'Don Giovanni' is one of my favourite Operas. Was first of the two I saw at a tender age of 8. The other one 'Marriage of Figaro'.
ReplyDeleteI love Don Giovanni, the music is mesmerising. The story is not that unusual for the late 1700's.
Don Giovanni is a loveable cad. Teddy Tahu Rhodes makes him even more likeable. This Opera has everything. Love, lust, women scorned, murder and death. The Don escapes fiancés (Don Ottavio - Henry Choo), would be husbands (Masetto - Andrew Jones), but he cannot escape Commendatore (Daniel Sumegi) who pays him a visit from beyond the grave.
Teddy Tahu Rhodes commands attention from the second he sings his first note to his last.
Donna Elvira (wonderfully portrayed by Jacqueline Dark) is obsessed with Don, she follows him everywhere and tries protecting other women from him. It's not an easy task as Don is very charming and women tend to flirt with him when he pays them attention.
Poor Leporello (Conal Coad) Don's servant puts up with all of Don's antics and tries cleaning up the mess that Don creates where ever he goes. It's not an easy task.
Don Giovanni makes a mistake when he invites Commendatore to dinner especially since Commendatore warned him of his impending demise. When Commendatore comes knocking Don still thinks it's a joke. When Commendatore sings a cenar teco m'invitasti – Don Giovanni! You invited me to dine with you". It's spine chilling.
The Don refuses to repent and is taken by Commendatore to hell, 'where he will pay for his sins in the after life'
In the very last scene when everyone contemplates their future, Donna Anna ( Rachelle Durkin) will marry after a year of mourning, Donna Elvira will go to a convent, Zerlina (Taryn Fiebig) and Masetto will start their married life and poor Leporello will go in search of new master, Teddy appears at the back of the stage sitting by the window. It's almost as if he tells us that he will continue to torment them.
Fantastic production by Opera Australia.
Wonderful !! Left the theatre planning to go back and watch it again. Teddy Tahu was amazing. God!! I cannot stop talking about him now. He certainly had all my attention.
ReplyDeleteThose attending Opera Australia's recent performance of Don Giovanni were treated to an exciting night's entertainment.
ReplyDeleteThe orchestra set the tone in the overture: after a portentous opening, it careered along, pushing the limits of what ensemble would allow, but never quite exceeding it, delivering an exhilarating result. Throughout the night, the orchestra was always a sensitive and engaging partner to the action on stage.
All the soloists were given opportunities to shine. Conal Coad was a comic and sympathetic Leporello. Donna Elvira's calling in life was now to roam the corridors with uncanny timing, interrupting Don Giovanni every time his amorous plans were to be executed. Seeing what was to transpire amused the audience, but she is a complex character, and Jacqueline Dark portrayed her different facets superbly. Rachelle Durkin's arias as Donna Anna were spectacular: she charged her betrothed, Don Ottavio (Henry Choo) with hunting down her father's killer, and his perturbed expression as she did so make me think he might well hop out the window and take the first ship abroad. Nevertheless, he agreed, though when all was over he was rewarded with a further years' wait for their nuptials. Some people always seem to receive a raw deal.
The clear star was Teddy Tahu Rhodes, the eponymous Don Giovanni. He prowled the stage like a lion on the hunt, savouring every opportunity to add to his catalogue of conquests. As an actor, he inhabited the role thoroughly and with glee--what's more fun than playing the villain? His exchanges with Leporello were always amusing. His tone was rich and full, expressive, his enunciation perfect--his semi-quaver passages were precise and energetic to the end, whereas some of his colleagues did seem to tire under the same conditions.
Overall a most successful production by Opera Australia.
Richard
violin3 AT gmail DOT com
Don Giovanni was brilliant- loved every moment! Apart from wanting to see it because of the sublimely beautiful music and that it is being stage by my favourite opera company, with my favourite singers, I went to see Don Giovanni because it was the production I chose to do for my NIDA application last year (I want to be a stage manager for any type of theatre really, but would love to stage manage opera!).
ReplyDeleteLets just say that OA's production was a much better production than the one I came up with last year- loved the set and the costumes and pretty much everything about it.
I loved the drama of Mozart and la Ponte's score and libretto so easily and beautifully brought to life by the hardworking cast and crew (some of whom I heard were suffering from a terrible cold the night I saw it, I couldn't tell though :-)). Jacqueline Dark (Donna Elvira) was brilliant in her first proper soprano role- her entrances foiling the Don's attempts to woo women made me giggle, and as for her "Mi Tradi...", I have no words to describe how beautiful it was. Rachelle Durkin was perfect as Donna Anna, just the right amount of hysteria and grief and Henry Choo was wonderful as her betrothed, Don Ottavio ( I loved his "Dalla Sua Pace...". Taryn Fiebig and Andrew Jones were so adorable as Zerlina and Masetto and Conal Coad as Leporello... I got quite a good giggle out of him trying to play Don Giovanni and vice versa. :-)
The cast all performed brilliantly, but as everyone has said Teddy Tahu Rhodes was the standout. From his first entrance climbing out of a window in 'those' shorts to his descent into hell, I had real issues taking my eyes of his sensual, sexy, womanising Don. He was just as brilliant as I'd heard.
I dragged along my sister and mother to see it (they're not as in to opera as I am) and I think I may have converted them. Definitely a brilliant choice for an opera virgin and definitely worth the price of a ticket for a university student like me. I wouldn't think twice about going again!
Lauren Holmes
lozzaholmes@yahoo.com.au
From: Graham. Email: cathyletters@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteDon Giovanni is a wonderful Opera. It is full of action and believable circumstances.
The music is both haunting and spellbounding with magnificent voices, and dramatic acting.
This Opera is a fantastic producton by Opera Australia.
Don Giovanni is magnificent. I purposely flew from Perth to Sydney just to watch the Don Giovanni and it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteFrom the beginning until the end, it's so happening and the song, acting and costumes make the whole show very interesting.
This is recommended opera and would love to watch again
Henky Wijaya
henkyw@hotmail.com
I took one of my daughters and her partner last Tuesday with A & B row side seats .. what a blast!
ReplyDeleteSo engaging and touching .. a story that flows and is very believable with real characters and that fantastic music - daPonte & Mozart were a unique collaboration - that sadly only gave us 3 operas - but real gems. This was a simply staged production with setting true to the era which worked very well on the SOH stage and let you enjoy the music and the story. TTR brings the role alive - great finale! Elvira, Anna, Ottavio, Zerlina et all - none disappointed and they were obviously enjoying themselves! Well done all..
Greg Naimo
gregnaimo@gmail.com
REVIEW PART 1...
ReplyDeleteDon Giovanni tonight is without a doubt the best cast opera I've heard to date. I can honestly say that there was no weak link. Well sung and acted by all. Not to minimize his singing (which was great), but Teddy Tahu Rhodes' acting is what really stood out to me tonight. The vocal performances of Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Jacqui Dark, Conal Coad, Daniel Sumegi, Rachelle Durkin, Taryn Fiebig, Andrew Jones and Henry Choo... all were just AMAZING! All really threw themselves into their roles without hesitation and it really paid off. I really sensed that all really believed in what they were doing and were comfortable. There was nobody that didn't seem at ease with what they were doing, vocally or acting wise.
Henry Choo was the best I've ever heard him. Don Ottavio sits in his voice well. His 'Dalla Sua Pace' left me stunned with it's beauty, especially his changes in dynamics. Usually an aria that is just sung nicely, but Choo made me really realise the emotion of the piece.
Jacqui Dark's Donna Elvira is worthy of special mention (her first soprano role I believe? Hopefully there will be more to come). Dark has a soft grained timbre that fits the role well, but also has the necessary vocal 'oompf' to give be able to give power when needed. Her mezzo voice gives a richness and warmth to the role that I often find lacking in other singers, though her voice sits higher than most mezzo but not as high as most soprano. Her is is truly in between. Her 'Mi Tradi Quell'Alma Ingrata' was expertly handled. Dark was able to display the anger at what Don Giovanni has done to her, but also the hurt feelings she has about it too. With some singers, I feel you don't always get both side of feelings displayed in this aria.
Taryn Fiebig has a unique timbre that I find really works for Zerlina. I find her voice maturing really nicely.
PART 2 CONTINUES...
Mitchell Bolding
mitchell.bolding@gmail.com
... REVIEW PART 2
ReplyDeleteDaniel Sumegi in the relatively small role of Il Commendatore was luxury casting in my opinion. He think he is capable of so much more. In the scene where he comes alive as the statue, he brought so much authority and power. He has a voice that when let loose, has the ability to be truly terrifying (but in a good way). I hope we
see much more of him in the years to come.
Teddy Tahu Rhodes portrayal as Don Giovanni... I think it came across as a bit youthful? and sometimes I felt as though the character was acting without fully grasp the consequences of his actions. It may be personal taste, but I prefer a Don Giovanni that is more openly conniving or menacing (somebody is very well aware of what they're doing but just don't care). Very well sung though. A highlight for me was his 'Deh Vieni Alla Finestra' where on the repeate verse, he added some little flourishes to the lines. Not something I've heard before, but it was very tastefully done. In the final scene where he refuses to repent, you couldn't keep your eyes off him. His 'Fin Ch'han dal Vino' was sung with great finesse and energy. It made me wish the piece was longer.
Conal Coad's Leporello was fantastic, well acted. He is so at ease with what he does. He melds his acting and vocal performance so well that you can just sit back and enjoy, knowing that the music he sings is in such great hands. I believe he is one of Opera Australia's greatest assets.
Rachelle Durkin and Andrew Jones as Donna Anna and Masetto both did very well in their roles.
I do not know the technical side of the orchestra well enough to give an informed opinion, but I quite enjoyed their work and didn't hear anything that sounded unpleasant at all. All seems rather well played and all with the right balance.
The Opera Australia Chorus outdid themselves yet again. Don Giovanni isn't an opera that really gives the chorus much chance to show off, but when they do sing it is a fantastic sound. I've heard it said that they are among the best choruses in the world, and with all the performances I have seen them in so far, I have an easy time believing that.
Mitchell Bolding
mitchell.bolding@gmail.com
*CORRECTION TO MY ABOVE REVIEW...
ReplyDelete*...luxury casting in my opinion. *I* think he is capable of so much more.
*I not 'he'.
11/10/11
ReplyDeleteThe OA production of "Don Giovanni" with Teddy Tahu Rhodes as the Don is truly a breathtaking experience.
From the first scene to the last the incredible presence and power that Mr Rhodes brought to the role created a character whose wildest actions were totally believable. The superlative acting skills of both the Don and Conal Coad as Leporello drew the audience willingly into their schemes for seduction while their voices and the music seduced us.
The supporting cast of Anita Watson as Donna Anna, Jacqueline Dark as Donna Elvira, Henry Choo as Don Ottavio and Taryn Fiebig as Zerlina provided me with some outstanding operatic moments Particularly at the end of Act 1.
A special mention must be made of Andrew Jones' Massetto whose stage presence and vocal skills presage larger roles in future productions.
The scene with the return of the Commendatore, the marvellous Daniel Sumegi, and the descent into the hell of madness by Don Giovanni was riveting both visually and emotionally with two marvelous presences dominating the stage and the music.
Costumes were marvelous with Don Giovanni in 'bad guy' black and the set held a few surprises towards the end of the last act. The production was tight and well done but unexciting. A slight disappointment with such a fine cast.
Overall it was a scintillating and sensational night at the opera.
Don Giovanni with Teddy Tahu Rhodes was very dramatic and believable! Fantastic singing and acting by Tahu Rhodes, I also really enjoyed Conal Coad's Leporello, he was amazing.
ReplyDeleteI meant to say that the "direction was tight and well done but unexciting". The production was terrific.
ReplyDeleteThe Don strikes again! I've been seduced! And like Donna Elvira, once wasn't enough. Having been captivated by Opera Australia's production of Don Giovanni for the third time in it's current season,I find I am more enchanted by the well cast characters, whose gifted voices are complemented by acting that brings out the comedic aspect that is a feature of this production.
ReplyDeleteI dare not single out the charismatic Teddy Tahu Rhodes, though his voice has such a range that at no point does it sound strained or harsh, but rather enriches his portrayal with an irrestistable wickedness. The rich texture of the bass voices of The Don, Leporello and The Commendatore,contrasted with the distinctive melodious voice of Henry Choo,who fills the role of of the earnest Don Octavia.
Conal Coad, in the role of Leporello,is the key to the success of this production.His comical behaviour reaches out to the audience and allows us to connect with our anti hero.Every straightman needs a sidekick(and it is often the sidekick that wins our heart).
Mozart gives us three extremely different victims that leave us with an insight into Our Don's range of talents.Taryn Fiebig in her role as Zerlina captures the audience with a sweetness that is enhanced by her beautiful voice. Donna Elvira approaches her role with such seriousness, while much of the humour is at her expense.
The set is significant in its minimal design. The coldness of the grey marble is countered by the warmth of the soft yellow lighting of the windows. The lack of clutter allows the characters to move around the stage freely so we get a greater sense of them.
The Don ,dressed in such sexy black significantly contrasts with the other characters.What an impressive visual it makes as the black clad Don extends his arms to greet his guests.
Yes, Don Giovanni can add me to his book of conquests.I'm a gonna.He is timeless. And I think this factor makes this production relevent to modern audiences.Although the costumes are period,it seems so modern.This seems to be indicative of our Opera Australia as it brings opera into the 21st century.
Pamela
pam_5_9@msn.com
It was simply stunning. The emotion builds and got the better of me in the final sequence where the cast tell their plans for the future. Teddy Tahu Rhodes is the the best Don I have ever seen. I came away unable to speak!
ReplyDeleteThis was a truly magnificent production and we are lost with admiration for Teddy Tahu Rhodes' wonderful voice and the huge energy that he put into the role. He was convincing as a man in his early twenties.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed Conal Coad's comic presentation of Leporello and his fine singing and also Taryn Fiebig's captivating victimised but still coquettish Zerlina.
We saw the 1997 production and were glad to be startled again by the incredible falling columns. Göran Järvefelt's conception was totally apposite and convincing.
However, we wish to ask what happened to the famous tenor area "Amici miei - Il mio tesoro intanto"? I hope that we didn't somehow miss it but we didn't experience it and it is one of the highlights that we were looking forward to.
Noel James
noelcjames@yahoo.com
Charles Zoi, charleszoi@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteReview of Oct 19 production of Don Giovanni
Last night was the movie, "Crazy Stupid Love" The lunch today was the book launch of
Peter Ruehl's posthumous book of his columns, " Men are Stupid, Women are Crazy". Tonight's Don Giovanni completes the triptych with the same theme! Thank goodness we have found ways to make man's idiocies entertaining!
And entertaining tonight's opera indeed was. While Jose Carbo had big shoes to fill following Teddy Tahu Rhodes much heralded performances in the title role, he performed admirably, although the ladies in the audience may have been a bit disappointed in the final scenes, as Giovanni appeared at supper with his shirt open and chest bared, not to have the fabled physique of our favourite Kiwi baritone on display.
All eight voices were excellent, and special mention must be made of Leporello, sung by Stephen Bennett, and Jacqueline Dark as Donna
Elvira. they were both on stage most of the evening and presented wonderfully!
The Sydney Opera Orchestra under the able direction of Benjamin Northey, was flawless!
Another magnificent evening of Opera at the most well known Opera House ....make that Building ...in the southern hemisphere!
I am always fascinated by the interaction of the Don and Leporello because it is their relationship that makes the opera. Yesterday I saw Stephen Bennett and Jose Carbo playing the roles and they were a great duo. Stephen played the Don in 2000 and yesterday as Leporello he brought his understanding of both roles to a wonderful fruition, he was great.
ReplyDeleteI've seen Teddy and now Jose and I thought that Jose was the more seductive. Jose acts well,his voice has a warm quality and his last few minutes on earth were wonderfully dramatic as he is tipped into hell.
It was so nice to see the old set back, nothing works quite so well as the dropping pillars at the end and Don Giovanni's descent into hell.
The three ladies were very strong. Taryn Fiebig is a lovely Zerlina and this contrasted with her wonderful performance as Aphrodite the night before. She went from being a goddess to a country girl with apparent ease.
David Parkin played the Commendatore with suitable gravitas. Isn't it great that he gave up his day job after winning Operatunity Oz.
Suzan Aslin, suzanaslin@optusnet.com.au
I would take an eleven hour airplane trip to see this show, oh wait a minute I did! Hilarious and magnificent. I sort of love and hate Don Giovanni, a character I would not want around my daughters but definitely in a Mozart Opera. The subtitles brought it right to my doorstep "sometimes I can't get over how amazing I am!" ... Says the notorious Don as he swings into his next conquest. One could imagine him tweeting that as he progressed! Don't miss this earthy bit of genius with a healthy pulse, still alive in the 21st century. SLM. Shaleemony@gmail.com
ReplyDeletec.baskerville@optusnet.com.au
ReplyDeleteCesare Siepi who performed at the Salzburg Festival under Wilhelm Furtwangler was a renowned Don Giovanni who exuded elegance. How times have changed! Now DG is "rough trade" who manhandles women.
Jose Carbo sang beautifully notwithstanding his director's instructions to manhandle women. Anita Watson (Donna Anna) is a real vocal find destined for other Mozart heroines and beyond.
Stephen Smith was outstanding as Don Ottavio bringing a welcome clarity to a role which can be overshadowed on stage.
The conductor Benjamin Northey gave a credible performance; it's a little unfair that he followed Mark Wigglesworth whose conducting proved to be astonishing.
We saw this production on Thursday night as a birthday treat for my partner. This is one of his favorite opera's and this production did not disappoint, although the pace of the music was a bit slow at times lacking the drama and excitement of Mozart's intended score.
ReplyDeleteLoved the Commendatore's (David Parkin) contribution and command of the second part of Act II and his dramatic entrance, etc. Well done! And Leporello (Stephen Bennett) was a favorite of all, getting the loudest applause at the end.
Thanks for making this a memorable birthday for my partner; we do enjoy Opera Australia's productions and are looking forward to some of next year's treats :)
nathen n aek
natheninoz@hotmail.com
Generally I don’t learn article on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice post.
ReplyDeleteThe touring company of Opera Australia, differs from the cast that was seen in the Sydney performances but I did not feel that Melbourne audiences were in any way deprived.
ReplyDeleteTTR simply IS the Don and the comments in the interview above were interesting, particularly about playing the character as an older man whose past is catching up on him. A life as an unbridled libertine will end as age diminishes his looks and his physical virility. However TTR gave no indication that his Don was in any way diminished! He commands the stage, compelling not only the other characters but the audience to bend to his charm and vivacity. He is the ultimate bad boy - mad, bad and dangerous to know. He has no moral compass to guide him and the killing of a man means no more to him than the bedding, by force if necessary of the man's daughter. The statue of the Commentadore represents the first glimmer of conscience, a conscience resisted, consigning DG to hell. He is a character you know you should detest, yet TTR manages to make him both sympathetic and loveable.
In the supporting cast, Stephen Barnett was excellent. A little soft at times, his comedic take on the long suffering Leporello provoked laughter at just the right places, an antidote to the blackness of the Don. Stephen Smith as Ottavio is a promising tenor. His notes were strong and hit with confidence and he can act, giving Ottavio the right mix of confusion as he realises his "friend" is the murderer and to keep the woman he loves he must swear to kill DG, a fate he is fortunately spared.
Samuel Dundas as Masetto was less convincing but his is a naturally subservient role and it is probably hard, in the circumstances poor Masetto finds himself in, to be anything but petulant and whingey.
The woman were dominated by the pure lyrical soprano of Taryn Fiebig as Zerlina. As she falls under the spell of the charismatic DG, we are tempted to give her a good slap but she won't be told and a fate worse than death awaits her but for the intervention of the "three amigos". Hyeseoung Kwon was wonderful as Dona Anna. She portrayed the right degree of fragility in a character who, like the Don, could be verging on the edge of madness as the obsession with her father's killer takes hold. And of course Jacqueline Dark as poor Elvira gave a sterling performance with her rich mezzo tones and just enough of a light edge not to weigh the character down.
In short, a marvellous night at the opera. If you love Mozart (and who doesn't?), don't miss it!
Alison B.
alibri59@gmail.com
I kept thinking of the original production in Prague of this wonderful opera and of an audience that would talk and eat and even leave the theatre whilst the artists were singing. How different we are today. The audience like myself were mesmerised by the many magical performances and the applause at the end was an attestment to their enjoyment. Of course Teddy Tahu Rhodes is a star worthy of a place amongst the finest, but in addition this production has a cast that also captivate. Bravo Opera Australia, you gave us a feast. I will think about this production of Don Giovanni for days and probably the final scene in the grave yard forever.
ReplyDeleteTeddy Tahu Rhodes plays a brilliant Don Giovanni - he is certainly charismatic, he is oh sooo sexy and he is so dangerous. What a wonderful production, better that the one shown recently from Covent Garden. Opera Australia gives us an opera full of love, humour, but more importantly drama. Benjamin Northery provided faultless conducting. It is my favourite opera.
ReplyDeleteWhen one conceives the problem currently happening, i have to believe in your endings. You intelligibly show cognition about this subject and i have much to discover seeing your publish.Lot’s of greetings and that i is for any further revisions.
ReplyDelete