It is always a joy to encounter a performance of Don Giovanni that boasts eight excellent soloists, and this performance does just that. What is particularly remarkable is that many of them were still relatively unknown at the time, a testament to the discerning taste of the intendant at the Teatro San Carlo.

Perhaps the most interesting member of the cast is a young Birgit Nilsson as Donna Anna. Nilsson's voice is flawless, bringing to Mozart the requisite purity and command while already displaying the steely opulence that would make her Wagner singing so distinctive. Sena Jurinac brings an ample tone that nearly matches Nilsson's in scale, though the contrast provided by her darker, softer vocal color is most welcome. Sesto Bruscantini is the epitome of elegance as Leporello, while Giuseppe Valdengo, in the title role, matches Bruscantini's refinement with a subtle touch of malevolence.

Elegance is also central to Anton Dermota's Don Ottavio. He delivers both arias with understated but sincere feeling and exquisite vocalism. Alda Noni is a charming Zerlina, although perhaps a little too chirpy for my taste—I have always been partial to a mezzo in the role. As if the cast were not already impressive enough, a young Walter Berry makes a strong impression as Masetto, while Gottlob Frick's booming bass lends the final scene a genuinely terrifying weight.