A persuasively dark Don Giovanni from Swedish Radio

By David Karlin, 14 June 2020

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“Staples decides to embrace his constraints rather than fight them”

Reviewed at Berwaldhallen, Stockholm on 14 June 2020

Mozart, Don Giovanni (Semi-staged performance)

Daniel Harding, Conductor

Andrew Staples, Director, Don Ottavio

Bengt Gomér, Set Designer

Helle Carlsson, Costume Designer

Peter Mattei, Don Giovanni

John Lundgren, Leporello

Mari Eriksmoen, Donna Anna

Malin Byström, Donna Elvira

Johanna Wallroth, Zerlina

Henning von Schulman, Masetto

Johan Schinkler, The Commendatore

Swedish Radio Choir

Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

Reflections and frenzy from Canellakis and the London Philharmonic

Susannah Moody, 22nd October

A compelling evening from the London Philharmonic Orchestra tackles different themes of spring, showing gracefulness in Lili Boulanger’s works and beating up a frenzy in Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.

****1

Faust’s bargain, Berlioz’s triumph in Montréal’s season launch

Ian Cochrane, 17th September

Rafael Payare leads a fevered account of desire, damnation and sonic grandeur, ably supported by Karen Cargill and Andrew Staples.

****1

Edward Gardner takes the long view in Mahler's Eighth

Peter Quantrill, 26th April

Sacred and secular, operatic and symphonic dimensions united in a thrilling climax to the London Philharmonic Orchestra's season.

****1

The LA Phil's Fidelio with Deaf West Theatre gives Beethoven a voice

Laurence Vittes, 17th May

Gustavo Dudamel's concept of a semi-staged Fidelio in collaboration with Deaf West Theatre gives a voice to Beethoven so enormous that those with hearing impairments can surely hear.

*****

An outstanding Elijah from SCO and Maxim Emelyanychev

David Smythe, 9th May

An outstanding Elijah from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus with Maxim Emelyanychev, headed up by Roderick Williams, with Carolyn Sampson, Rowan Pierce, Anna Stéphany and Thomas Walker.

*****

Winging its way to heaven: Schumann's muse soars aloft at the Proms

Peter Quantrill, 22nd August

A Schumann premiere at the BBC Proms, revived with loving care by Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO.

****1

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David Karlin

David is a co-founder of Bachtrack. He is a musical omnivore interested in almost all types of music, but with a particular love of Italian opera. You can contact him from this link.

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