Suggestions needed for Mozart's operas

Posted by: Todd A on 25 January 2003

Okay, I finally had to start moving back into the 18th Century for opera fare. Not too far, just to Mozart. (Just, hah!) Thus far I have listened to four of his operas: Don Giovanni (Guilini's EMI recording); Die Zauberflote (Colin Davis); Cosi fan Tutte (Alain Lombard); and Die Entführung aus dem Serail (Mackerras).

I like all of them except Don Giovanni, which I found somewhat underwhelming. Since I started with Berg, listening to Mozart's attempts to musically convey fear or terror when death appears is not exactly imposing. I will probably be buying Mackerras's Die Entführung because the performance is splendid and the sound perfect, but what about for the other two? What stellar performances deserve attention. And should I consider any of the other operas?

Posted on: 25 January 2003 by herm

Well, you didn't mention the Nozze, obviously. Your library doesn't have any Mozarts conducted by Gardiner? I rather like his performance of the Zauberflöte. Clearly something went wrong with your Don Giovanni as it's really cool, no matter whether you've heard Berg before.

Herman

Posted on: 25 January 2003 by Richard Dane

Todd,

for something off the beaten track, try Zaide. There's a fantastic performance available on CD on Harmonia Mundi. It's also extremely well recorded in the usual HM tradition. It's a gem.

Posted on: 26 January 2003 by David Hobbs-Mallyon

quote:
Mozart's attempts to musically convey fear or terror when death appears is not exactly imposing

Must admit, I'm astounded - truly one of the most spine tingling moments in all music - OK, possibly not terror. I think you need to move nearer to a decent opera house.

David

Posted on: 27 January 2003 by Igor Zamberlan

Well, I have a number of versions of the major operas.

While I am also somewhat surprised by the fact that you didn't like the Giulini Don Giovanni (I think i'ts one of the greatest records of all time, and it would be one of my desert island choices), I suggest you try the recent Harding one, which is quite good to my ears. Sample it if you can, I know it's love/hate stuff.

Great Cosi' Fan Tutte are the Karajan mono one from the Fifties, the Cantelli live recording (bad sounding, though) and, for something more recent, the Jacobs on Harmonia Mundi.

Nozze, well, I didn't get that one at first, my first recording was the Bohm on DGG. I like the Karajan from the Fifties, and the Erich Kleiber recording would be a desert island choice (don't even think about getting it on the original vinyl, unless you want to pay north of GBP 1k).

As for the Magic Flute, the revelation came to me in the form of Fricsay's recording, which, although not reference quality soundwise, is unforgettable.

You must also try La Clemenza di Tito, I suggest the Gardiner.

Igor