Mozart - Don Giovanni / Keenlyside, Salminen, Remigio, Heilmann, Terfel, Isokoski, D'Arcangelo, Pace, Abbado
Despite an amazing portrayal of Leporello by hotshot Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel and a nice Ottavio from Uwe Heilmann, thisDon Giovanniis sorely lacking in appeal. Keenlyside is a fine Don, but can't compare with the best, and the rest of the cast seem to be phoning in their parts. Occasionally Isokoski as Elvira lights up, but it's not often enough--one must blame, I fear, Abbado for the amazing lack of oomph in this set. Of course everyone sings and plays well, but this is, after all, one of the greatest operas ever penned and much of it goes by unnoticed. Fans of Terfel--and I'm among them--might have to own this, but your money is best spent with the still unbeatable Giulini-led set on EMI with Sutherland, Schwarzkopf, and Waechter.--Robert Levine