"Don Giovanni" Captured: Performance, Media, Myth

“Don Giovanni” Captured explores the life of an opera through its recorded performance history, highlighting the violence and predatoriness of the libertine central character and the suffering and resilience of his female victims. Richard Will analyzes over a century of recorded performances, including audio recordings, video recordings, and other media, to explore how the opera has changed and evolved over time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Mozart's opera Don Giovanni has long been a source of fascination, not only for its musical brilliance but also for the myths and legends surrounding its central character, Don Giovanni. Over the years, the performance history of this opera has undergone a remarkable transformation, reflecting a growing trend towards critique and an increasing awareness of the violence and predatoriness of Don Giovanni. In his book "Don Giovanni Captured," Richard Will sets out to analyze over a century's worth of recorded performances of this opera, tracing the ways it has changed and evolved from one performance to another and from one generation to the next.

Will utilizes a wide range of audio and video recordings, including wax cylinders, 78s, DVDs, films, and streaming videos, to explore the nuances and complexities of Don Giovanni's performance. He argues that recordings and other media play a crucial role in shaping our experience of opera, just as live performances do. By choosing a work with such a rich and complex tradition of interpretation, Will helps us see Don Giovanni as a standard-bearer for evolving ideas about desire and power, both on and off the stage.

One of the key themes that Will explores in his book is the portrayal of Don Giovanni's character. Throughout the centuries, Don Giovanni has been interpreted in various ways, from a charming rogue to a despicable predator. Will argues that the evolution of Don Giovanni's character reflects changing societal attitudes towards gender, sexuality, and power. In the early performances of Don Giovanni, the character was often portrayed as a witty and charming libertine who enjoyed the company of women. However, as time passed, the focus shifted towards highlighting Don Giovanni's violence and predatory nature, particularly towards his female victims.

One of the most notable examples of this shift is the 1979 production by director Jonathan Miller, which was widely praised for its bold and innovative approach to the opera. Miller's production focused on the violence and cruelty of Don Giovanni, highlighting the suffering of his female victims and the consequences of his actions. This production was a turning point in the way Don Giovanni was perceived and interpreted, and it paved the way for a more critical and nuanced understanding of the character.

Another important aspect of Will's analysis is the role of the female characters in Don Giovanni. Throughout the opera, Don Giovanni's relationships with women are complex and often fraught with tension and conflict. Will argues that the female characters in Don Giovanni are not simply victims but also agents of change and transformation. He highlights the resilience and strength of the women who are subjected to Don Giovanni's advances, as well as their ability to resist and overcome his manipulations.

One of the most memorable female characters in Don Giovanni is Donna Elvira, who is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up to Don Giovanni. Elvira's character is a testament to the power of women and their ability to overcome adversity. She is a symbol of resistance against the patriarchal norms of the time and a reminder that women can be both victims and survivors.

In addition to exploring the character of Don Giovanni, Will also examines the historical and cultural context in which the opera was performed. He discusses the social and political implications of Don Giovanni's themes, particularly the issue of gender inequality and the power dynamics between men and women. He also explores the influence of opera on popular culture and the ways in which it has been adapted and reinterpreted over the years.

One of the most interesting aspects of Will's analysis is his use of audio and video recordings to illustrate his points. The recordings provide a unique perspective on the evolution of Don Giovanni's character and the ways in which it has been interpreted by different performers and directors. They allow us to hear the nuances of the music and the subtleties of the performances, which can enhance our understanding of the opera and its themes.

Overall, "Don Giovanni Captured" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on Mozart's opera Don Giovanni. Richard Will's analysis of over a century's worth of recorded performances is a testament to the power of opera as a medium for exploring complex themes and characters. Through his meticulous research and thoughtful interpretation, Will helps us see Don Giovanni as a standard-bearer for evolving ideas about desire and power, both on and off the stage.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226815411