Mozart: Don Giovanni - Glossop, Evans, Fine, G. Jones, Burrows, Cahill, Lloyd, Howell; C. Davis. London, 1973
$5.18
Listen to a Sample:
This cast features some of the greatest English singers of its day. What is doubly remarkable is that almost all were stepping out of their comfort zone to try their hand at Mozart. It has often been said that a singer's ability to sing Mozart is the surest test of technique and in that respect all involved excel most notably the Don of Peter Glossop. Much like his Iago he seamlessly shows both the suave and the coarse sides of Don Giovanni. Gwyneth Jones sings Donna Anna. If she doesn't seem 100% comfortable in the part she still negotiates the tessitura admirably and does not shy from unleashing her over-sized voice at key moments for example during "Or sai chi l'onore" which is hair-raising in a way that one rarely experiences in a performance of a Mozart aria. Sir Geraint Evans trades in the customary buffo clichés and opts to show the humanity and grace of Leporello. Wendy Fine is a fiery Donna Elvira. Stuart Burrows is excellent as Don Ottavio. Colin Davis may be the greatest conductor of Mozart operas of his day. The sound is excellent.
BONUS:
Gwyneth Jones sings "Non mi dir" from Don Giovanni
Wien, 1974
OD 10583-3
