Tcherniakov's reading gives depth to a drama too often tripped up by creaking period theatrical conceits...Skovhus is electrifying in the lead role as he pivots from roaring malevolence to whispered fragility...The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra under Louis Langree articulates extreme states of mind latent in Mozart's score...This DVD is a must-see.

The singing is good, and the acting is so accomplished that you feel you are watching 'real life' rather than 'a performance'. The orchestra plays well. If Louis Langree's conducting lacks tenderness, it certainly accords with this very unjocular interpretation of da Ponte's dramma giocoso...Tcherniakov has more knowledge than understanding.

The recitative to ‘La ci darem la mano’ and the duet itself are played and sung introspectively, slowly, convincing once Giovanni is sincere. It is among the most effective passages in the show...Petersen is not a deliverer of tremendous volume but has the necessary flexibility with a brightness at her vocal core.

It's beautifully performed – Skovhus has done nothing finer – and there's an outstanding Ottavio, morally implacable rather than dithering, in Colin Balzer. But the narrative remains Tcherniakov's rather than Mozart's