Recommended recordings of... Don Giovanni

The Giulini/EMI set is probably the "safest" recording for this, possibly the greatest of all operas.

Still, it doesn't eclipse the 1955 stereo Krips/Decca set, or Boehm's 1977 'live' DG set.

I haven't heard the Abbado set that you've shown, but I'd never want to be without the Krips.

I'd swap Terfel under Solti for the Muti set.

Thomas Allen is a fine Don, reinforced by seeing him sing this a couple of times BUT as Graham says the Giulini is the "safest."

The original Krips discs that I heard were on vinyl and somehow the recording didn't bite, but it was a long time ago and not being done any favours by the replay set. I will investigate the new Legends CD copy. Thanks for the tip Graham.

Huw

...No.8 Aria

[Elvira]

"Ah, flee the traitor,
and let him cozen you no more:
deceit is on his lips
and falsehood in his eyes
From my sufferings learn
what it means to trust him;
and be warned in time
by my plight."

...yeah i know the feeling

Anyway, i only have one version ~

Orchestra and Chorus of the
Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Sir Colin Davis

Don Giovanni... Ingvar Wixell
Il Commendatore... Luigi Roni
Donna Anna... Martina Arroyo
Don Ottavio... Stuart Burrows
Leporello... Wladimiro Ganzarolli
Masetto... Richard Van Allan
Zerlina... Mirella Freni

Released by Philips in 1991
3 x CD box set

Purchased my copy about 15 years ago, i seem to play it every 3 years or so... and enjoy.
This is the only Don Giovanni i've listened to so can't compare, although it sounds quite okay imho it's not my favourite Mozart opera.

Debs

Huw, Graham,

The Shimell / Muti in that list probably occupies the #1 spot for me. Mainly for Muti's superb sense of direction - it's clear from the start which way Don Juan is headed, and when he does, it's the most powerful execution of his final confrontation with the Commendatore. Shimell is great - his tone always had a rough edge and here, near the start of his career, he uses the effect to create a memorable Juan. Ramey, Studer and the others add good support, and fit well with Muti's direction.

I have to 'fess that Krips, Giulini but also Bohm, Davis and many others are more Mozart-like, probably more idiomatic. A good reason to own more than one recording!

EJ