This evergreen opera was given a makeover by director Kasper Holten in 2014, when his creative team combined the timeless music of Mozart and the rumbustious plotline with telling video overlays. We literally see through Don Giovanni's compulsive womanising, when the names of his conquests are scrawled across the action.
The Uruguayan baritone Erwin Schrott is a swaggering Don, a handsome, shameless rogue for whom women fall so easily. His prey include passionate Donna Elvira, sung by Greek soprano Myrtò Papatanasiu, the dignified Donna Anna, sung by Swedish soprano Malin Byström, and gullible servant Zerlina, sung by British soprano Louise Alder.
Erwin Schrott is excellent as the shameless womaniser, Don Giovanni. Photo: Mark Douet
The don's long-suffering right-hand-man Leporello, sung with wit and weariness by Italian baritone Roberto Tagliavini, sticks by his side, until he too, like the womenfolk, has had enough. On his own, the Don is no match for Donna Anna's father, whom he has murdered and who returns from beyond the grave for vengeance....
Daniel Behle is the chivalrous Don Ottavio, who waits patiently to win the hand of Donna Anna. Leon Kosavic is Zerlina's outwitted fiancé Masetto, and bass Brindley Sherratt is the ghostly Commendatore.
Don Giovanni's exes collaborate before his downfall. Photo: Mark Douet
Hartmut Haenchen conducts an orchestra and chorus of the Royal Opera House on top form. Listen out for some blistering arias from Donna Elvira, and for the crazy cross-rhythms of the deranged party scene at the end of Act One.
Don Giovanni is always a treat, and this production has plenty of zip and glamour for a grand night in.
Don Giovanni can be streamed here. Click here to register for ROH streaming
| What | Don Giovanni, Royal Opera House online |
| When |
On 27 Nov 20, Streamed at 7PM and available on demand for 30 days |
| Price | £3 |
| Website | Click here for more information and booking |