Cheap La Fanciulla del West (Music) (Giacomo Puccini, Zubin Mehta, Plácido Domingo, Carol Neblett, Sherrill Milnes, William Elvin, Eric Garrett, Gwynne Howell, Paul Hudson, Malcolm King) Price

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Customer Reviews of La Fanciulla del West

Wonderful but...
This past year I have been addicted to La fanciulla del west. I would definitely include it in my all-time favorites, let's say Top Ten. Magnificent music. And a well told story. The only apparent problem it has is that it needs a great soprano with a huge voice. Many commentators have commented that the soprano role is extremely difficult, which they attribute to its high-flying range. But after listening to it often I propose that it is difficult for another reason: the orchestra does not support her lines. Perhaps I state it badly; in Turandot's In questa reggia, the music soars with her, and her melody is also present in the music. In Fanciulla she must go it alone. It means that her vocal line must compete against some of the most glorious and dramatic music in existence; and not only is she pitted against the orchestra but against the supported tenor, the baritone, and the all-male chorus!

This recording is very good. Domingo is ideal as Johnson. Zubin Mehta conducts Puccini brilliantly: well-paced, colorful, passionate, sparkling. Milnes sings with all his assets of a beautiful, a dark, and a ringing voice. And Carol Neblett sings firmly with all the notes. But her singing seems as if it is for a supporting role not as if she were the vocal track for Liberty Leading the People, she doesn't command the opera.

Probably the best Fanciulla, with good sound, is with Tebaldi, Del Monaco, MacNeil, and with Capuana conducting. Though Tebaldi is not one of my favorite singers she has a magnificent voice--that seems to give her whatever she asks of it. She also sings with passion and sensitivity. Del Monaco is not great with character but he has a wonderful ringing sound and a big male persona. I think he is excellent here. MacNeil as Rance is very solid; he sings with a beautiful line.

Unfortunately, there isn't a completely knockout studio recording.

Indulge me in my only musical fantasy. I would have liked, as dream cast, Domingo, Mehta, Gobbi, and Jessye Norman. I think she would do justice to the role and perhaps she will.

IT JUST DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS!
Although recorded in 1978 the result remains the finest audio production to date. Set in Northern California during the 1840's gold rush, Zubin Mehta treats Puccini's unique western masterpiece with undaunting artistic care as Placido Domingo (Dick Johnson), Carol Neblett (Minnie) and Sherrill Milnes (Jack Rance) exceed their own extraordinary talents in bringing their characters to life. Supported by a magnificent cast, one in particular deserves high mention. Gwynne Howell, bass, portraying the roving minstrel (Jake Wallace) in the first act, showers the listener with a velvet voice that is pure luxury. His beautiful and haunting aria not only depicts the loneliness and homesickness of the camp's miners, but is one you will want to listen to over and over again. The only regret is that Puccini did not compose more arias for the Jake Wallace role.

Focusing upon a pistol packing saloon barmaid who's won the hearts and respect of the local gold miners, plus the sudden arrival of bandits and her involvement with their leader, Minnie's life is thrown into turmoil as a potential lynching lurks ahead. This is an opera setting, that also includes Native American characters, that deserves far more attention than it receives. The music is exquisite and the artists are all top notch. This recording is a true gem that should not be overlooked.