Friday 7 October 2022

Don Giovanni's Fall to Hell

Here is another countdown to Halloween post for Halloween, but of a different kind. You may know that I love opera. There are also some of them which I consider suitable to listen to during the Halloween season. Among them, Don Giovanni by Mozart. Incidentally, it is my favourite opera. I find the scene where the titular character is thrown in Hell by a vengeful ghost paticularly fitting. So anyway, a few months ago, I found out that Italian artist Milo Manara had actually published a book titled Penditi, about Mozart, with one illustration depicting the composer and the climax of the opera. I found it so cool I knew I had to share it here. I was actually waiting for the countdown to share it. Of course, as it is Manara, there is nudity. But he's no mere pornographer, this is a great depiction of the protagonist's last moment, giving it a taste of hellfire, setting the Commendator as this powerful otherwordly figure and reminding us of the reason of his punishment. And look at Mozart's expression. Just gripping. I love a good Eros and Thanatos cocktail. Anyway, here is the full scene in music:

1 comment:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

That is indeed a wonderful illustration!