San Diego OperaTalk! with Nick Reveles: Don Giovanni

Join San Diego Opera's Nick Reveles for an in-depth look at Mozart's popular masterpiece, Don Giovanni. Learn the history of the opera and hear musical highlights, critical acclaim, recommended CDs, and much more. Series: "San Diego OperaTalk! with Nick Reveles" [11/1999] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 4313]

[@vonditters856]

I love that he actually discusses the music. Usually people overanalyze the libretto, thinking that they're talking about Mozart

[@silvr94]

Thank you. Haha yes the composers didn't (usually) write the story.

[@eenergabeener]

Im excited to see this at Los Angeles opera tonight.

[@paulaallen4106]

This was excellent. Thank you.

[@thesir27]

The things he said about Elvira's aria are EXACTLY what i always thought when listening to it... especially the "darts of rage" part

[@doudikhay516]

Loved it.. Reminds me of Karl Haas with out the accent

[@hymnofashes]

And another thing. Da Ponte's story is the OPPOSITE of one in which the moral is 'death could come at any time.' Don Giovanni has a ZILLION opportunities to repent. Elivra tries to reform him. (twice.) Leporello (hypocritically) asks him to stop. When the statue arrives for dinner, he's coming to SAVE the Don, to give him a last chance; but he refuses even at the point of death. The Don never tried to 'bargain' with justice or save repenting for later; not even close.

[@charlesanish2557]

Fascinating, Dave. Did you know that Da Ponte, Mozart's librettist, was Jewish? In fact, the Nazis banned any mention of him in productions of the opera or even in the sheet music. In short, Da Ponte's name was stolen from him and he was given another!

[@charlesanish2557]

In the lands controlled by the Germans, that is.

[@SFsc616171]

Hi all, and Happy Thanksgiving! (you look hungry, eat!) To me, Don Giovanni, "the thing from beyond!" Ol' Don G' has sowed many oats, broken many hearts in dalliance, YET, crossed the line with the duel/murder of the young lady's father. Unforeseen by him, and still not realized when the Commenditiere's statue answers with a real nod and a vocalized "SI!" He has no idea just how much he, um, "screwed the pooch!" The vocals of the statue BOOM across the stage, with an ethereal depth, and in some presentation Don G writhes with the vocal reaching his innards, shaking him, as he needs be shook. Some of Don G's demise are cracks in the Earth with flames, some are where he and the statue are "translated" POOF! The POOF! is more eye-popping. IMHO. The line at the dinner ... "Hey, I've heard that before!" is a direct throwback to how Mozart upstaged Salieri's piece in front of the Emperor. The slap that transcends all time! This opera should be portrayed in a theater set for Halloween, for it would give it more fright, when unannounced in the play bill, that simple statue nod!

[@renebedolla7360]

8:48

[@spanishmasterpieces5203]

The original story was written by Tirso de Molina, a Spanish monk. Da Ponte has make an adaptation for the opera.

[@selini52]

Lucho Rodrigo did you listen? That’s what he said

[@selini52]

I think he does

[@hymnofashes]

I would also add that the class distinctions portrayed in Mozart's music serve to mark the corrupting role of wealth and power in sexual relations, not just to add flavor. In 'La Ci Darem La Mano' and the Don's disposal of Masetto, intimidation is mixed with the illusion of class mobility. Masetto mocks Zerlina, saying 'he'll make a noble out of you' and the Don tells Masetto that buggering off would be the noble thing to do. (Bravo per servirmi!) The critique is almost socialist.

[@clivegoodman16]

hymnofashes. Mozart and Da Ponte also set Beaumarchais' revolutionary play 'La Folle Journée ou Le Mariage de Figaro' to music, though they had to tone it down to make it acceptable to Kaiser Joseph II.

[@gemmaguarneri855]

Man the Commendatore really said:"Go to hell" to Don Juan in a 'medieval way'

[@ilkinond]

I wonder who 'disliked' this video. Probably some working class type.

[@silvr94]

What an elitist comment.

[@randyventresca4152]

You really don't understand a thing.