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<< -- 3 -- Maria Nockin POWER AND EFFERVESCENCE
On 14 November 2006, Mozart Festival Opera presented Don Giovanni in cooperation with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples, Florida, USA. The production by Valentin Topencharov was traditional and both sets and costumes reflected sixteenth century Seville. Company general manager and stage director Giorgio Lalov aided the artists in bringing out their individual interpretations and was rewarded with some truly memorable portrayals.
Susan Marie Pierson as Donna Elvira, Stefano DePeppo as Leporello and Vytautas Juozapaitis as the Don. Photo © 2006 Robin Grant
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Charismatic Lithuanian baritone Vytautas Juozopaitis was a spirited, energetic Don Giovanni who held the audience's rapt attention whenever he was on stage. He had an authoritative sound that could be romantically enticing in an attempt to seduce a lady, but could change instantly into a commanding tone when anyone attempted to thwart his will.
Leporello's Catalogue Aria - Susan Marie Pierson and Stefano DePeppo. Photo © 2006 Robin Grant
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As Leporello, Italian baritone Stefano DePeppo was a perfect foil for the lascivious Don. Although he complained bitterly about his life and blamed his employer for the loss of his innocence, it was easy to see that he relished some aspects of his job. He seemed to delight in every moment of the Catalogue Aria which he sang with the burnished bronze tones of his sizeable voice.
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Copyright © 26 November 2006
Maria Nockin, Arizona USA
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