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OPERA REVIEW
A "Don Giovanni" That Satisfies
January 31, 1999
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By Faun Tiedge
Opera San Jose gave a lively performance of Mozart's "Don Giovanni"
last Sunday on the intimate stage of the Montgomery Theater, an appropriate venue for this tightly woven work.
"Don Giovanni," (K.527), a "dramma giocoso," the tale of an amoral seducer, remains a timeless favorite featuring some of Mozart's most captivating and memorable music. The romantic rebel was well portrayed by baritone Nmon Ford-Levene as Giovanni progressed from self-centered rogue to a more earthy and defiant anti-hero. Carl King played his jovial man-servant Leporello, warming up the stage with a hearty rendition of the famous catalog aria "Madamina! Il catalogo e questo...," aptly describing his master's romantic conquests. The broad display of Leporello's ironic wit and human sympathies is central to the success of the opera, and King shows potential to fill out the role.
The cast was well balanced by three very different sopranos--Stacy Rigg, as the tragic Donna Anna; Hope Briggs, a noteworthy choice with a rich lower register for the jilted Donna Elvira; and the polished Susan Mello as the pert Zerlina. The baritone Joseph Wright was a refreshing and engaging presence as Zerlina's fiance Masetto. They created a convincing pair, Zerlina's coquettishness playing against Masetto's youthful naivete. Tenor Thomas Truhitte sang the role of Don Ottavio, and Christopher Dickerson played the Commendatore.
The cast showed its vocal talents in Mozart's extraordinary ensemble
numbers. While there was also some lovely solo singing, most of the arias
lacked the dynamic nuance and subtlety of phrasing which distinguishes
Mozart's music. The orchestra, led by Barbara Day Turner from the harpsichord, sensitively played, balanced the singers very well. The strings played with style, and the winds and
brass were excellent.
This is a traditional production, sung in Italian and with English titles.
Daniel Helfgot's clean direction was complemented by an efficient and atmospheric set design by Joe Ragey, with superb lighting by Joan Arhelger. Helfgot adds a few new laughs, such as the "disoccupato!" ("unemployed!") signboard worn by Leporello after a falling out with his master. The closing moralising sextet was omitted.
More vocal impact was needed from Dickerson in the grand role of the slain
Commendatore, although his voice grew in stature as the drama intensified.
His transformation to gravestone image is effectively menacing. In their
final confrontation, the unrepentant Don Giovanni succumbs to the
Commendatore's powerful revenge, and the production fulfills its promise as
Don Giovanni is engulfed in a flaming purgatory.
Opera San Jose's "Don Giovanni" features two alternating casts and will be at
the Montgomery Theatre until February 14. "Don Giovanni" may not be
your typical Valentine, but Mozart's opera always offers a passionate
reflection on life and love.
(Faun Tiedge is currently Professor of Music at the San Francisco
Conservatory of Music.)
©1998 Faun Tiedge, all rights reserved
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Susan Mello (Zerlina)