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Don Giovanni

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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October 29, 1787

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Mozart created an astounding piece of art with Don Giovanni, with its blend of comedic elements with morality and the eventual fate of the antagonist not only makes for a good story, but the score is what makes it arguably one of the best operas of all time. Thus, to its credit, the story has made great subject matter for many writers and philosophers. Don Giovanni should be preserved because the prospect of human nature and human morality created by the antagonist, Don Giovanni, sets up very contemplative and debatable subject matter and that it is considered to be one of the most unique and highly respective operas of all time not only for its music, but also for its story.

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Set is Spain, Don Giovanni is a 2-act opera centered around  the man Don Giovanni; a young, arrogant, sexually promiscuous man who antagonizes an abuses those around him, "...an impatient, arrogant man who can be quickly moved to anger and lust.  When he turns on the charm, it's to get something that he wants." as stated by Classical.net best describes.  Until finally  he eventually meets his fate as he is dragged down to hell. This work is unique to itself as it was done by the young Mozart which tells a story through a two act opera. Such was the time that Mozart was considered a genius and a revolutionary in the performing arts. Although vastly considered as a comedy, it is more a blend of comedy, melodrama and supernatural elements.  In an article by Yahoo! Voices, "Christian Gottfried Körner, a contemporary of Mozart, said of this  renowned composer: "Mozart was perhaps the only one who could be equally  great in the comic as in the tragic.", which is no less true of Don Giovanni.

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As a innovative work, Don Giovanni was unique for it's short length and it's simple message. At the time of it's creation, it followed Mozart's earlier opera, The Marriage of Figaro, so it's no surprise to any that it was successful since by this time Mozart was a well known composer.

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The modern artistic audience of today still greatly appreciate this work and is globally ranked as number 10 of the top operas of the world. As being one of Mozart's best known works, it is respectfully kept the same by many conductors and composers, Though there have been a handful that have made some slight additions or variations to the work itself. Mozart has always known to be a great composer and his works have been enjoyed by all the generations after him.

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Not knowing much of anything about the composition of music, I do appreciate it's complexity and it's fitment into the story, thus making it an opera. I find the story to be insightful and particularly relevant. A selfish egotistical man who spent his life hurting others for his own benefit, eventually falls victim to his own deeds  and is dragged down to hell. I find this relevant because selfishness is human nature, and every person is capable of the same actions as Don Giovanni. We often forget the basic laws of nature in that every action has a reaction and that they often find their way back to us. Whether you believe in heaven or hell, there is no excuse not to be a decent, civilized person. Thus, the portrayal of Don being pulled down to hell, be it literal or not, is something that should be a reminder to not overstep our bounds with one another with the intention of coming out on top.

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With only a year difference, Mozart composed both The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni, and for the sake of simplicity, to compare and contrast the works of the same composer, it's best to have the mindset that it's not about the score of the opera, but the choice of the story he wished to convey the music through.

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In comparison, Mozart did substantially well with both his works. Both are well known and highly regarded operas with a successful score and moral plot to the story line. Though not neither were an original story, their presentation and adaptation into an opera male them both still enjoyable to any audience .

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In contrast The Marriage of Figaro is a continuation of another story, The Barber of Seville, what we'd call today to be a sequel. It also contrasts with Don Giovanni in that it is a much longer opera. Having four acts instead of Don Giovanni's two, The Marriage of Figaro is purely more of a comedy versus Don Giovanni as a melodramatic comedy.

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To make my earlier point  more detailed, the most significant idea of the story, one that future generations should be aware of is the basic flawof our own selfish tendencies, and actions we take regarding them. It's a testament to  how easy it is to do as we please without considerations to those around us. This work is an extreme example of the selfishness and disregard by a man that brought his own demise. This story has a message that's relevant to all of us, and we should be aware of our thoughts and actions everyday. God-fearing or not, there's not excuse to not act like a decent human being. Columbia.edu puts it best, "… all evildoers must meet such a terrible end."

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As a final analysis, Don Giovanni is a two act opera centered a selfish, womanizing man who sees only to benefit himself, and disregard the feelings of those around him. As is the fate of many like him, he is pulled down to hell for his refusal to repent for his crimes.

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This particular TCP was especially difficult. How do you convey music through words? May only response would be that you cannot, you must listen for yourself. The story, however, was easy to explain. It had a simple plot that drove a single point effortlessly. The thing that has helped write this proposal the most would be what I have seen in my lifetime of people who've acted selfishly and karma returned the favor. It's not an easy thing to miss, it's a cultural thing now, so much so I could write books and rants and still have not said enough about the subject. But let it be known that this work, at it's core, serves a good message to people willing to accept it.

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Works Cited:

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Photo:  http://i.ytimg.com/vi/t_nHeThpfLw/0.jpg

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"Classical Net Review - Mozart - Don Giovanni." Classical Net Review - Mozart - Don Giovanni. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2012. &lt;http://www.classical.net/music/recs/reviews/n/nxs60080a.php&gt;.

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"...an  impatient, arrogant man who can be quickly moved to anger and lust.  When he turns on the charm, it's to get something that he wants."

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Brode, Alyssa. "Synopsis and Historical Context of Mozart's 'Don Giovanni'" Yahoo! Contributor Network.  Yahoo Contributer Network, 15 Nov. 2011. Web. 15 Oct. 2012.  &lt;http://voices.yahoo.com/synopsis-historical-context-mozarts-don-giovanni-10428675.html&gt;.

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Christian  Gottfried Körner, a contemporary of Mozart, said of this renowned  composer: "Mozart was perhaps the only one who could be equally great in  the comic as in the tragic."

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 NYC Opera, comp. "Mozart: Don Giovanni." New York City Opera Project: Don Giovanni (n.d.): n. pag. Mozart: Don Giovanni. Web. 15 Oct. 2012. &lt;http://www.columbia.edu/itc/music/NYCO/dongiovanni/synopsis.html&gt;.

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"… all evildoers must meet such a terrible end."

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