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.
Plácido Domingo
Carol Neblett
Silvano Carroli
Robert Lloyd
John Rawnsley
Gwynne Howell
John Dobson
Norman Welsby
Francis Egerton
Tom McDonell
Paul Crook
Robin Leggate
Ian Caddy
Paul Hudson
John Gibbs
Nello Santi
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House