Holten shows us Giovanni as a man older than usual, lonely, perhaps trying to stave off his fear of death with each new seduction...Some of the singing would not pass muster on CD. But the acting is beyond praise...Kwiecien has a dangerous charm and Alex Esposito, more friend than servant, is a perfect foil.

anyone who misses Mariusz Kwiecien's performance here will regret it...never have I seen a final scene so aggressively personal, so mad, so viciously without repentance...Watt's Zerlina is charming and pure-toned. Alex Esposito offers a star turn as Leporello...The Covent Garden forces are downright magnificent.

Holten’s treatment of the characters—especially the women, all strongly cast—is fascinating. Donna Anna (Malin Byström, impassioned and visually striking) is torn between her physical attraction to Giovanni and her desire for vengeance, even feeling complicit in her father’s death. Donna Elvira (Véronique Gens, vulnerable and vocally stylish) is demonstrative in expressing her true love for Giovanni as well as her rage. Zerlina (Elizabeth Watts in game form) is eager for a one-time fling with a nobleman.

Admittedly it’s technically superb. The cast is variable. Mariusz Kwiecien´’s Don is well sung and acted, but on neither account explains his allure...Esposito is a detailed Leporello...Elizabeth Watts provides attractive tone and presence and Antonio Poli’s Ottavio is cleanly sung. Nicola Luisotti conducts briskly from the fortepiano.