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Video - Opera

MOZART: Don Giovanni (NTSC)

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
Don Giovanni
From the Glyndebourne Festival Opera 1977
Drama giocoso in two acts; Sung in Italian

Benjamin Luxon, Stafford Dean, Horiana Branisteanu,
Leo Goeke, Rachel Yakar
London Philharmonic Orchestra, Glyndebourne Chorus, Bernard Haitink

Stage Production: Peter Hall

Arthaus present another in the Glyndebourne classic opera series, this time the long-awaited 1977 production of Don Giovanni directed by Sir Peter Hall.

Don Giovanni represents a force of nature without conscience and sense of responsibility. His sole aim in life is to win the female he has just fallen in love with. Therefore, all the people around him become his victims. Not able to own up his crimes he is dragged down to hell.

Sir Peter Hall has long been associated with Glyndebourne, having directed there since 1970. His production of Mozart's tragic "opera of all operas", as E.T.A. Hoffman once called it, for the 1977 Glyndebourne season has received universal praise - a high accolade for such an original production. Celebrated baritone and Glyndebourne favourite Benjamin Luxon perfectly embodies the unconscionable seducer Don Giovanni - although he nearly didn't appear after injuring himself during rehearsals jumping from a balcony as stage directions instructed.

Luxon's supporting stars include Stafford Dean, Horiana Branisteanu and Leo Goeke, and Bernard Haitink conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra.