Puccini's La Fanciulla del West 40 years old

Domingo and Neblett shine!

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.

Credits

Puccini's La Fanciulla del West Cast

Name Character
Plácido Domingo He was 42, now 83 years old as Dick Johnson
Gwynne Howell He was 45, now 85 years old as Jake Wallace
Francis Egerton He was 53, now 93 years old as Nick
John Gibbs He was 66, 68 years old when he died as José Castro
Robert Lloyd He was 43, now 84 years old as Ashby
John Dobson He was 67, 98 years old when he died as Trin
Paul Crook He was 17, now 58 years old as Harry

Puccini's La Fanciulla del West Crew

Name Department
David Belasco as Original Story. He was 130 (77) years old when He died Writing
Piero Faggioni as Director. He was 47 (now 88) years old Directing
Giacomo Puccini as Original Music Composer. He was 124 (65) years old when He died Sound
Puccini's La Fanciulla del West poster
Puccini's La Fanciulla del West (40 years)

Domingo and Neblett shine!

  • Release day: Thursday, July 28, 1983
  • Runtime: 140 minutes