Puccini's La Fanciulla del West (1983)
La Fanciulla del West, Puccini's penultimate opera is based on a play by David Belasco set at the height of the notorious California gold rush. The composer took three years to complete the work, which, for him, marked a new stylish departure. With more modern harmonic combinations and local melodies, Puccini pieced together a far larger canvas than anything he had tackled before. In this recording, Piero Faggioni's highly detailed staging is matched by Ken Adam's superbly atmospheric sets. Carol Neblett sings the role of Minnie "The Girl of the Gold West," Placido Domingo is as ignitable as ever in the role of Dick Johnson, alias the bandit, Ramirez, and Silvano Carroli sings the sinister sheriff, Jack Rance. Conducted by Nello Santi.
Directors: John Vernon, Piero Faggioni.
 |
Plácido Domingo as Dick Johnson |
 |
Carol Neblett as Minnie |
|
Silvano Carroli as Jack Rance |
 |
Robert Lloyd as Ashby |
|
John Rawnsley as Sonora |
|
Gwynne Howell as Jake Wallace |
|
John Dobson as Trin |
|
Norman Welsby as Sid |
 |
Francis Egerton as Nick |
|
Tom McDonell as Bello |
|
Paul Crook as Harry |
 |
Robin Leggate as Joe |
|
Ian Caddy as Happy |
|
Paul Hudson as Billy Jackrabbit |
|
John Gibbs as José Castro |
 |
Nello Santi as Conductor |
|
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House as |
| Writing | David Belasco | Original Story |
| Writing | Carlo Zangarini | Writer |
| Sound | Giacomo Puccini | Original Music Composer |
| Directing | John Vernon | Director |
| Directing | Piero Faggioni | Director |
