Arizona Opera / Arvustused

The performance of Don Giovanni on Saturday February 27, 2016, simply bubbled with Mozart’s melodic and harmonic invention as the orchestra provided a firm foundation for the excellent performances of Arizona Opera’s cast under Steven White’s caring but firm conducting. Leading with authoritative tempi, he drew luxurious tone and refined phrasing from the Arizona Opera Orchestra. Tara Faircloth’s stage direction was realistic and gave the visual aspects of the performance a firm foundation. Peter Nolle and Douglas Provost’s functional sets allowed the singers to bring the libretto to life in all its glory while Kathleen Trott’s carefully researched, exquisitely detailed costumes placed the action firmly in eighteenth century Spain.

Stefano de Peppo who has sung Don Magnifico around the world and across the United States, is known for his large, robust bass-baritone voice. It was fascinating to see him do this role in two different conceptions of the opera, last fall at San Diego Opera and this spring at Arizona Opera. The San Diego company performed a shorter, happier version that cut references to Don Magnifico having supported his household on Angelina’s inheritance. By including that information, Arizona Opera gave good reasons for the Don’s cruelty toward one of his daughters. Best of all, the longer version of the score allowed De Peppo to sing more of his incredibly accurate patter.

Returning from villainy and turning to romance, Szot sang "If Ever I Would Leave You" from Lerner and Loewe's Camelot. Guinevere wants to stay true to King Arthur, so she tells Lancelot, whom she loves, to leave her. His song explains why he isn't leaving. This was a most enjoyable program, especially since much of it was accompanied by Maestro Kellogg and an excellent orchestral ensemble, and I hope it foretells more good online performances to come from Arizona Opera. Episode One can be seen on the Arizona Opera website.