Fanciulla del West, La (Girl of the Golden West) [reduced orchestration]

Premiering at the Metropolitan Opera in New York on December 10, 1910, LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST (THE GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST) represents a bold and richly orchestrated work in Giacomo Puccini's (1858-1924) operatic output. Set during the California Gold Rush, the opera follows the story of Minnie, a saloon owner who becomes entangled in a love triangle involving a mysterious outlaw, Dick Johnson (alias Ramerrez), and the local sheriff, Jack Rance. Known for its sweeping emotional palette and harmonic daring, the opera stands apart from Puccini's more frequently performed works through its atmospheric evocation of the American West and its unconventional heroine. While LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST is less commonly staged than LA BOH?ME or TOSCA, it has gained increasing recognition in recent decades for its lush orchestration, dramatic integrity, and the vocal and dramatic demands it places on its performers, earning a respected and growing place in the 20th-century operatic repertoire. Instrumentation: 2(2nd d. Picc).2.2.2: 4.2.2+BTbn.0: Timp.Perc(5-6): Clst.2Hp: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set): Vocal Soli (18 roles: SATTTTTTBBBBBBBBBB): Chorus. Reprint edition.