What a fantastic shot this La Fanciulla del West. I have now heard the CD for the first time and it was the same time my first encounter with this work. This opera is of course Puccini - Music totally different but nevertheless something as La Boheme, for example. Here, not arias and duets lined. In this opera there is always flowing on, each other across, so to speak. When you hear this opera and here in this recording makes you a great tension. The music drives away and you feel like in a thriller. Expecting what happens next. So at least I feel it that way. Zubin Mehta conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. And that's terrific. He can whip huge orchestral forces and spanned just wonderful lyric sheets. The cast is just as fascinating and magnificent. It combines three magnificent and strong-voiced singer. All have clout and noblest singing. All have large outbreaks and address these with ease and sing away over the orchestra. Carol Neblett as Minnie, Placido Domingo as Dick Johnson and Sherrill Milnes as Jack Rance. I would like to highlight the aria of Dick Johnson, sang wonderfully supported by Placido Domingo. Other highlights include the poker scene with large outbreaks of Minnie and the wonderful lyrical ending finale of the opera.
