I’m absolutely no expert, having only seen one production of this opera (Met, 2012), but I was DEEPLY moved by the music (the choruses!). I firmly believe any sort of production should be given a chance, but one of this opera that emphasizes head over heart seems like a wasted opportunity. We can be moved and also think at the same time.
I saw that same Met revival and the music got into my bones like a damp cold. Especially those choruses. I really enjoyed Guth’s Don Giovanni staging — perhaps he’s better at intellectualizing heart-forward operas than he is at finding the heart of intellect-forward operas.
I’m absolutely no expert, having only seen one production of this opera (Met, 2012), but I was DEEPLY moved by the music (the choruses!). I firmly believe any sort of production should be given a chance, but one of this opera that emphasizes head over heart seems like a wasted opportunity. We can be moved and also think at the same time.
Although I question whether all of us can think…
I saw that same Met revival and the music got into my bones like a damp cold. Especially those choruses. I really enjoyed Guth’s Don Giovanni staging — perhaps he’s better at intellectualizing heart-forward operas than he is at finding the heart of intellect-forward operas.