I don't think it is the best one of all, I love the 1979(Losey), 1987(the one with Ramey) and 2000(Terfel and Fleming) just a little more. However I thoroughly enjoyed this Don Giovanni and I would personally put it in the top 7 of the best productions of it.
There is only one small criticism I have of it, and it is that I agree that the camera work(which was otherwise very good) could've done more with using the whole stage.
Small criticism aside, I love how minimalist yet effective it is when it comes to the sets and of the costumes I loved Giovanni's and Zerlina's best of all. The staging and direction are thoughtfully done too, the beginning was most informative and beneficial I think as well.
From a musical point of view, this Don Giovanni also excels. The orchestra play powerfully and stylishly and Harding's conducting is authoritative with no flaccid tempos in sight. Overall, a truly great job was done bringing out what is perhaps Mozart's darkest and most complex score.
The singing is wonderful. Peter Mattei is superb as Giovanni, handsome with a warm tone, and in the acting he is a devilish rogue while also irresistible. Gilles Cachemaille couldn't have been a more perfect Leporello, the part where he and Giovanni switch roles is done better than any other singers singing and acting this part of the opera.
Merielle Delunsch is a fragile and spiteful Elvira, her Elvira also develops as a character and is effective at providing the opera's heart. Alexandra Doherties gives a fiery interpretation of Donna Anna while also giving subtlety and delicacy.
Lisa Lasson is a very charming Zerlina. Mark Padmore sings and acts Ottavio very well, there is style, musicality and agility in the singing and he is never too staid in his acting. Massetto is solid, and the Commendatore is very intimidating as he should be like.
All in all, a brilliant Don Giovanni and one of the best ones I've seen. 10/10 Bethany Cox
