- When this production opened in 2011, critics generally rated it between "dull" and "disastrously dull". They are right.
- Michael Grandage is a renowned British theater director and it was a reasonable assumption from Peter Gelb that he could provide interesting insights.
- At opening night Mariusz Kwiecien was replaced by Peter Mattei, a fact many critics felt may have had significantly negative impact on Grandage´s vision.
- For the HD transmission Mariusz Kwiecien was back and it was still dull.
- Action takes place mainly in front of a set consisting of a three-tiered balcony mansion.
- The relationship between the Don and Leporello is played out interestingly, though, with the latter a lesser sophisticated mirror of the former - but no really new insights here and seen many times before.
- Musically it was superb, however.
- Mariusz Kwiecien is a classy and elegant Don with a smooth, silky baritone. Top in the world for this part, together with Peter Mattei and Gerald Finley, in my opinion.
- Luca Pisaroni presents with a roguesque, vocally solid Leporello
- Excellent house debut for Marina Rebeka - a shining clear, almost steely soprano. A first-rate Donna Anna, only a bit more dynamics in her singing and acting and she would be among the greatest.
- Barbara Frittoli is elegant as Elvira, unfortunately her vibrato has become rather wide
- Mojca Erdmann disappointed as Zerlina with irritating acting and a shaky voice. I am not at all sure she is the rising star some have made her to be.
- Joshua Bloom makes the most out of his opportunities as Massetto.
- As does Ramon Vargas as Don Ottavio - not an easy part to make interesting.
- Fabio Luisi was superb in a slow, grandiose reading of the score.
The bottom line (scale of 1-5, 3=average):
Mariusz Kwiecien: 5
Luca Pisaroni: 4
Marina Rebeka: 4-5
Barbara Frittoli: 4
Mojca Erdmann: 2
Joshua Bloom: 4
Michael Grandage´s production: 2
Fabio Luisi: 4-5
Overall impression: 3
