title: Imagining Don Giovanni: A Novel
author:  Anthony J. Rudel 
description: In heritage and career choice (his father is the legendary conductor; he himself is a producer of classical recordings and the author of Tales from the Opera), Rudel would seem just the fellow to embroider on a bit of historical musical trivia. But his debut novel, drawing on a purported meeting in 1777 Prague between Mozart and romantic adventurer Casanova, does not develop into a successful dramatic narrative. Rudel imagines a secret collaboration between the composer of sublime music and the notorious libertine, aided by librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, a creative symbiosis that significantly influences the final version of Don Giovanni. In addition to describing the logistic and artistic complications of writing and staging the opera, Rudel attempts a plot that seems straight out of a morality play: Mozart jeopardizes his marriage by dallying with other women; Casanova takes it upon himself to show Mozart the folly of his ways. ("Give me your hand," Casanova ordered. "We'll make a pact. I'll lead you to the love you need to compose.... You'll turn Don Giovanni into a legend; it will be your payment to me.") Descriptions are often labored, with all the musicality of a pulp fiction bodice ripper. At times, characters seem to deliver history lessons rather than think, feel and speak for themselves. (During a walk in the Prague ghetto, Casanova provides some historical facts about the edicts against Jews.) When the Marquis de Sade sends exhortations from an asylum, the narrative hits its lowest notes. Those attempting to understand what made Don Giovanni such a revolutionary opera may enjoy this fanciful account, but most will feel that even The Magic Flute contains more reality than this lackluster production. Agent, Eric Simonoff at Janklow Nesbit. </P><P>Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.</P>
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  Giovanni
   
   
   
  By
   
  Eve Vaughn
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
   
  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s
  imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual
  events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.
   
  All trademarks, service marks, registered service marks are the property of their respective owners
  and are used herein for identification purposes only.
   
   
  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
  Giovanni
  Copyright © January 2016 Eve Vaughn
  Electronic book publication January 2016
   
  With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in
  part by any means without permission from the author, Eve Vaughn.
   
  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No
  part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means
  electronic or print, without the 