Don Giovanni

Don Giovanni
By Mozart. Opera Australia. Director: David McVicar. Conductor: Anthony Legge. Arts Centre Melbourne. May 11 = 30, 2015

I have seen many productions of Don Giovanni, as well as sung a role, but I was engrossed in this exciting production. Everything was dark with most characters in grey or black and the huge grey walls constantly opening and closing to reveal different scenes, opening to a graveyard at the back. This allowed the action to flow. The lighting was stunning.

The title character must dominate the action and this Teddy Tahu Rhodes did most effectively, both physically and vocally. His tall, athletic figure made for a dangerous Don, but also one that would be attractive to the ladies.

As his Leporello, Shane Lowrencev was even taller than his Don with a similar voice but with a little less power. They worked well together.

The three sopranos, Emma Matthews, Jane Ede and Taryn Fiebig, all sang beautifully, but were perhaps too similar. Fiebig’s voice is probably a little heavy now for the peasant girl, Zerlina, and I would like to see her in one of the more mature roles. Matthews and Ede made the most of their second act arias.

John Longmuir was a creditable Don Ottavio and displayed a nice line in his arias. Jud Arthur was a strong Commendatore, but struggled with some of the high tessitura. Rather than returning as a statue, he came back as a bloodied zombie.

The ensemble singing was a highlight. Though some singers were stronger than others, they all managed to blend well. The orchestra was supportive.

Occasionally the action descended into slapstick, which I felt didn’t suit the music, and though I would expect the Don to throw food at Leporello, I don’t think he would have been game to throw it back, as happened in this production.

But I found the production engrossing and highly recommend it.

Graham Ford

Images: Teddy Tahu Rhodes (Don Giovanni) and Taryn Fiebig (Zerlina) & Teddy Tahu Rhodes (Don Giovanni) and Jane Ede (Donna Elvira) in Opera Australia's Don Giovanni. Photographer: Jeff Busby.

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