Minnie was arguably Carol Neblett's most important, best and greatest role. Franco Bonisolli is equally very fine as is the whole cast, including the orchestra and the conductor! A must have! Thank you very much for this another wonderful gift (it is my second one), Opera Depot!

According to the VSO Archives, those not listed by OD are:Joe Ewald AichbergerHappy Alfred ŠramekLarkens Georg TichyBilly Jackrabbit Johann ReautschniggWowkle Axelle GallJake Wallace Peter WimbergerJosé Castro Siegfried Rudolf FresePostillon Anton Wendler

Roles like Minnie probably did Carol Neblett no favors in terms of vocal longevity. Make no mistake: she is a terrific Minnie: passionate, sincere, determined - all the while singing with sure top notes and beautiful tone. The wear and tear on her voice was soon evident, but here she still makes an exciting impact.Bonisolli started out in the bel canto repertoire singing quite a few rarities (including "L'assedio di Corinto" with Sills and "La donna del lago" with Caballe among other things) before he turned to more standard and, I'm sure, lucrative roles. He is still on good behavior in this performance, singing fervently and well. One can understand why Minnie falls for him. He and Neblett, incidentally, sing the normally cut passage with the joint top C in the second act. They both had great high notes so why not?Guelfi manages Rance well although his voice isn't what it had been. Rance is more of a "talking" role anyway so it doesn't disturb the performance. The supporting cast is excellent; they are only partially listed above. Varviso leads an exciting performance in which he eschews the usual cuts, restoring the passage in Act One where one of the miners is caught cheating.The sound is excellent stereo. If Fanciulla is one of your favorites, get this. It's one of the best accounts of the score I've heard!

Good Fanciulla..Neblett fine Minnie,another excellent performance from Bonisolli,Guelfi a little raw,but still a good rance...fine conducting from Varviso

Carol Neblett and Franco Bonisolli creat a potent chemistry here. She is a sweet voiced and vulnerable Mimi, her disappointment and anger with Johnson at his deceit movingly alloyed with sadness and conflict. It is a moving potrtait achieved without over emphasis or histrionics. Bonisolli is a masculine and sensual Johnson. Their's is a wonderful partnership. Guelfi, one of the preeminent baritones of the 50's and 60's is Rance. Here his voice is worn and unsteady, but retains considerable power, although he is tediously loud. A shadow of his former self. The rest of the cast is good and Varviso conducts with attention to the ebb and flow of the drama.The sound is well balanced and of high quality.

I have been comparing this to my Decca Fanciulla with Tebaldi, del Monaco etc. and Bonisolli's 1982 Berlin with Dimitrova, and boy does it compare favourably.You would not use Fanciulla to introduce a beginner to Opera,but to an experienced Buff this is really something. The sound on this recording is amazing, in fact it would pass for a Studio recording.This is my first experience of Neblett, and while not having the vocal heft of Tebaldi or Dimitrova, she still does a super job on a very taxing role. The clarity of the voice is striking.I am an unashamed Bonisolli admirer and he does not disappoint here and is in great voice.I have played the cabin scene again and again since I got it and what about Ch'ella mi creda.My old favourite Guelfi at 52 was showing signs of vocal wear and tear but still brings off Rance convincingly. All the supporting roles are ably filled and Varviso keeps the Vienna forces moving at a nice pace. Want a great Fanciulla ?. Get this!!.

Good interpetation, a little in the way of routine. But great Bonisolli & very fine Silvio Varviso.