COMPOSERS: Amadeo Vives
LABELS: Sony
WORKS: Doña Francisquita
PERFORMER: Plácido Domingo, Aïnhoa Arteta; Córdoba Theatre Chorus, Seville SO/Miguel Roa
CATALOGUE NO: S2K 66563 DDD
Given the popularity of operetta, it seems absurd that zarzuela – its Iberian equivalent – is not better known outside Spain. Fears that Domingo (in splendid voice) might overwhelm the rest of the cast here are unfounded. Both Arteta in the title role and Linda Mirabal as the fiery actress La Beltrana give deliciously exuberant performances, but the success of the recording ultimately rests with Miguel Roa’s animated handling of the chorus and orchestra. Claire Wrathall
Amadeo Vives
Given the popularity of operetta, it seems absurd that zarzuela – its Iberian equivalent – is not better known outside Spain. Fears that Domingo (in splendid voice) might overwhelm the rest of the cast here are unfounded. Both Arteta in the title role and Linda Mirabal as the fiery actress La Beltrana give deliciously exuberant performances, but the success of the recording ultimately rests with Miguel Roa’s animated handling of the chorus and orchestra. Claire Wrathall
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:14 pm