Puccini's La Fanciulla del West

Piero Faggioni
1983-07-28

Domingo and Neblett shine!
0
140 min

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.

Cast

Name Character Team
Plácido Domingo Dick Johnson Unowned
Carol Neblett Minnie Unowned
Silvano Carroli Jack Rance Unowned
Robert Lloyd Ashby Unowned
John Rawnsley Sonora Unowned
Gwynne Howell Jake Wallace Unowned
John Dobson Trin Unowned
Norman Welsby Sid Unowned
Francis Egerton Nick Unowned
Tom McDonell Bello Unowned
Paul Crook Harry Unowned
Robin Leggate Joe Unowned
Ian Caddy Happy Unowned
Paul Hudson Billy Jackrabbit Unowned
John Gibbs José Castro Unowned
Nello Santi Conductor Unowned
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Unowned