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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Don Giovanni, K.527

"Don Giovanni," K.527, is one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's most famous operas. Here are some interesting facts about this masterpiece:

  1. Premiere and Reception:

    • "Don Giovanni" premiered on October 29, 1787, at the Estates Theatre in Prague. The opera was commissioned for the occasion of the coronation of Leopold II as King of Bohemia.
    • The opera was well-received during its premiere, and Mozart himself conducted the performance. It is said that the audience was so enthusiastic that they demanded encores of several arias.
  2. Collaboration with Lorenzo Da Ponte:

    • The libretto for "Don Giovanni" was written by Lorenzo Da Ponte, an Italian librettist with whom Mozart collaborated on two other famous operas, "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Cosi fan tutte."
  3. Genre and Influence:

    • "Don Giovanni" is a dramma giocoso, which is a genre that combines elements of both serious and comic opera. The opera is known for its blend of drama, comedy, and supernatural elements.
  4. Character of Don Giovanni:

    • The character of Don Giovanni, the libertine and seducer, is based on the legendary fictional character Don Juan. He is a complex character, portrayed as charming yet morally corrupt, and his eventual descent into damnation is a central theme of the opera.
  5. Catalog Aria:

    • One of the famous arias in "Don Giovanni" is "Madamina, il catalogo è questo" (commonly known as the Catalog Aria). In this aria, Leporello, Don Giovanni's servant, lists the numerous women his master has seduced, providing a humorous and insightful moment in the opera.
  6. Moral Themes:

    • The opera explores themes of morality, justice, and the consequences of one's actions. Don Giovanni's refusal to repent for his sins ultimately leads to his downfall.
  7. Influence on Later Works:

    • "Don Giovanni" has had a significant influence on later composers and works. For example, Richard Strauss composed the tone poem "Don Juan" as a tribute to Mozart's opera.
  8. Famous Overture:

    • The overture to "Don Giovanni" is one of the most famous and frequently performed overtures in the repertoire. It sets the stage for the drama that follows and is a masterful example of Mozart's skill in orchestration.

"Don Giovanni" remains a staple of the operatic repertoire and continues to captivate audiences with its compelling characters, brilliant music, and exploration of moral and psychological themes.

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