Edited by Jonathan Miller

Deconstructing Don Giovanni's Seductive and Treacherous Legacy

Don Giovanni: Myths of Seduction and Betrayal is a collection of essays edited by Jonathan Miller, exploring the themes of seduction and betrayal in Mozart’s iconic opera. The book is a result of the 1985 English National Opera production of Don Giovanni, directed by Miller himself.

Contributors and Perspectives: The anthology brings together a diverse group of authors, including historians, literary critics, and scholars, who offer unique insights into the opera’s mythological and psychological underpinnings. Some contributors focus on the opera’s historical context, examining the 18th-century English society and its attitudes towards seduction and morality. Others analyze the libretto, exploring the characters’ motivations and the opera’s exploration of themes such as Oedipal complexes and the consequences of unchecked desire.

Key Essays: Notable essays include Peter Gay’s Freudian analysis of Don Giovanni’s libidinous nature, Malcolm Baker’s examination of 18th-century funerary sculpture and its relation to the opera’s supernatural elements, and Jane Miller’s discussion of the seductive strategies employed by women in Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa and Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.

Implications: The collection demonstrates how Don Giovanni continues to resonate with audiences, inviting exploration and interpretation across disciplines. By examining the opera’s mythological and psychological dimensions, the essays in this anthology provide a nuanced understanding of Mozart’s masterpiece, highlighting its enduring relevance to contemporary debates about desire, morality, and the human condition.

Overall: Don Giovanni: Myths of Seduction and Betrayal offers a rich and multifaceted exploration of the opera, shedding light on its complex characters, themes, and historical context. The anthology is a valuable resource for scholars, opera enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of music, literature, and psychology.

First published January 1, 1991

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