Puccini's La Fanciulla del West

Puccini's La Fanciulla del West (1983) is a film directed by John Vernon, Piero Faggioni.

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.

Cast

Plácido Domingo

Dick Johnson

Carol Neblett

Minnie

Silvano Carroli

Jack Rance

Robert Lloyd

Ashby

John Rawnsley

Sonora

Gwynne Howell

Jake Wallace

John Dobson

Trin

Norman Welsby

Sid

Francis Egerton

Nick

Tom McDonell

Bello

Paul Crook

Harry

Robin Leggate

Joe