Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini

“one of [Domingo's] most convincing roles” Opera

“This attractive and lively production of Puccini's Wild West opera makes the best imaginable case for it, especially the exuberant Barbara Daniels in the title role; while Domingo is at his peak, in 1992, as the nice bandit Dick Johnson.” BBC Music Magazine, October 2005

“Slatkin conducts a bitingly dramatic account...In 1992 Sherrill Milnes was still an outstanding Rance, at once handsome and sinister, while Placido Domingo is just as warmly expressive...the pretty and buxom Barbara Daniels with her bright, big soprano gives a characterful performance...Bright, clear recording, bringing out the emotional tug behind Slatkin's reading” Penguin Guide, 2010 edition ****

“magical in its evocation of Puccini's most atmospheric score...Freni [is] as tenderly appealing to see as to hear...[Domingo sings] with similar fervour, responding to the inspired stage direction of Jean-Pierre Ponnelle to make this cad of a hero more complex than usual...The sound is full and atmospheric.” Penguin Guide, 2010 edition **/***

“this DG set is unsurpassed...The singers mime to their parts and the lip-sync.is generally impressive...With superb singing and fine acting from all concerned, and equally impressive conducting from Bartoletti, who has the New Phlharmonia on top form, this is all pretty irresistable.” Penguin Guide, 2010 edition ****