San Diego OperaTalk! with Nick Reveles: Don Giovanni

[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

[redneckman454]

there goes 27 minutes of my life i wont get back this was fucking gay...... had to watch it for a HW assignment

[Alex3713]

@redneckman454 Great Contribution!

[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.

[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.

[hymnofashes]

Nick has it completely wrong. Of COURSE Don Giovanni cares about his past conquests! He maintains a LIST! His playful character is a seduction strategy that glosses over a sadistic and arrogant nature. Leporello continues to help because the Don's activities arouse him, and he wishes to emulate them.

The opera is about the nature of evil, specifically the demonic quest for the infinite, human responses to evil, and the self-immolating consequences of depravity.