About this Artist

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Editorial Reviews

While not perhaps the greatest "Don Giovanni" ever recorded -- as if there could be such a thing -- this 1984 EMI recording led by Bernard Haitink absolutely has to be heard by anyone who loves Mozart's drama giocoso. Why? Several reasons, the most important of which is the man cast in the title role. Thomas Allan is not only a terrific singer with a strong voice, a virile tone, and a nuanced technique, he is a tremendous actor, and his interpretation of the great seducer is simply overwhelming. Allan is at once ironic and demonic, sensual and sardonic, villainous and in his final refusal to betray his own twisted nature, ultimately heroic. All by himself, Allan would make this "Don Giovanni" worthwhile. But with the imperious Maria Ewing as Donna Elvira, the sympathetic Carol Vaness as Donna Anna and the saucy Elizabeth Gale as Zerlina, it also boasts three superb heroines. Add to that the slyly witty Richard van Allan as Leporello and the commanding Dimitri Kavrakos as the Commendatore, and this cast was surely one of the finest assembled in the early digital era. While Bernard Haitink is an experienced if not always particularly aggressive conductor who leads the London Philharmonic in a skillful if not always assertive accompaniment, this recording will be enjoyable for anyone who loves the opera -- and mandatory listening for anyone who models themselves on the title character. EMI's early digital Abbey Road sound is big and detailed, but not especially deep. James Leonard, All Music Guide

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