Gazzaniga: Don Giovanni

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Giuseppe Gazzaniga's "Don Giovanni," a lesser-known gem of classical music that predates Mozart's famous opera by a few years. This 1991 release by Sony Classical offers a unique and concise take on the Don Giovanni story, presented without recitatives, making it a swift yet engaging listen at just over an hour and eight minutes.

Gazzaniga's "Don Giovanni" is performed by the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Bruno Weil, with a stellar cast of vocalists including Douglas Johnson, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Luciana Serra, and Elzbieta Szmytka. The album features 17 tracks, each showcasing the dramatic and musical prowess of Gazzaniga's composition.

Originally part of a double-bill with another piece, "Il capriccio drammatico," Gazzaniga's work is much shorter than Mozart's but equally compelling. The opera is presented in Italian, with scenes ranging from introductions and cavatinas to duets and arias, each bringing a different facet of the story to life. The album's standout tracks include the introductory "La gran bestia è il mio padrone!" and the dramatic finale "Siedi Commendator!"

This recording is a testament to Gazzaniga's skill in crafting a compelling narrative through music, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or new to the genre, "Don Giovanni" by Giuseppe Gazzaniga offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.