Good Evening!
So... I went to the final dress rehearsal of Don Giovanni earlier this afternoon...
The short version:
-The just-renovated New York State Theater - now known as the David H. Koch Theater - truly does sound a lot better. All the "fuzzy" stuff has been taken off the floors and walls, and that has really cleaned and clear-ed up the sounds in the house. The orchestra and singers will still have to get used to their new space, but, to my ears, it sounded like they were off to a good start. -Alas, the fresh coat of paint is still fresh - well, at least still smells fresh.
-It was a very well cast and well sung Don Giovanni. Well, their Don Ottavio already sounds a bit past his prime - and he did used to sound quite lovely - but the rest of the cast, especially the women were quite appealing to my ears. -And the main trio of baritones/basses were also quite pleasing to the eye too. -Especially when the Don and his servant Leporello spend most of the top of the second act in black, square-cut boxers.
-As for the direction and the director's concept, well... It will be interesting to read the reviews for this one next week.
