Mozart: Don Giovanni (excerpts) - Gobbi, Jones, Vaughan, Evans, Shirley, Kern, Ward, Bryn-Jones; Davis. London, 1967
$9.95
Description:
A young Gwyneth Jones brings thrilling Wagnerian intensity to Donna Anna, yet manages to preserve the elegance and clarity essential to Mozart’s classical style. Her performance is a powerful reminder that dramatic weight need not come at the expense of stylistic integrity.
Tito Gobbi, though slightly past the age to fully embody the physical allure of Don Giovanni, compensates with a portrayal driven by dark, nihilistic energy. His interpretation emphasizes the character's psychological complexity over sensual charm, resulting in a chilling, unconventional reading of the role.
George Shirley is exquisite as Don Ottavio—his phrasing, tone, and musicianship are impeccable, lending nobility and tenderness to a role often taken for granted. Geraint Evans, as Leporello, delivers a comic performance full of nuance and wit, managing to keep audiences engaged and laughing even without the benefit of surtitles.
The sound is somewhat distant, and the recording ends at “Il mio tesoro.”
In Mono
OD 11534-2