Still Among the Best "Don Giovanni"'sby REKNY

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July 11, 2009: Recorded in the '50's, for many of us of a "certain age" this was our first commercially recorded "Don Giovanni". Not surprisingly, given the cast, it holds up extremely well. Siepi performed the role worldwide; he sang in other commercial recordings and several pirates are easily available. Even so, this is among his best efforts. He and Corena were a familiar team, so the recitatives are quick and natural. Danco was not an obvious choice for Donna Anna, still, she's wonderful. Della Casa, Gueden, Dermota and Berry sing beautifully and with zest and character. Krips, not sufficiently appreciated, was an excellent Mozartean, and it shows here. Soumd is better than some reissues of this set, and the price is unbeatable.