Based on a play by Lope de Vega, Amadeo Vives’ 1923 Zarzuela is a charming, 100-minute work (the spoken dialog is eliminated here), well orchestrated, with real arias and ensembles to please the opera lover, and lighter, little numbers for operetta devotees. The plot has something to do with a young student (Fernando) who is infatuated with an actress (Aurora), who pretends to be in love with his father in order to enflame him even more. Meanwhile, Francisquita loves Fernando. Fernando’s best friend (Cardona) wants him to pay more attention to Francisquita, and in the second act he disguises himself as a woman and from there the plot becomes increasingly less coherent. But there are perky dances, a proposed duel, and a carnival scene to keep our interest, and the orchestration is colorful. Fernando has a fine solo and two nice duets with Francisquita; the second act features a very sophisticated quintet and there are several good choral moments.
The best parts of this performance come from the orchestra, chorus, and minor singers: Santiago S. Jerico’s light tenor is ideal for Cardona, and Raquel Pierotti makes the sexy Aurora alluring. Maria Bayo, in the difficult role of Francisquita (the role is high and exposed) can be shrill, and Alfredo Kraus was simply caught too late in his career (this was recorded in ’93) to paint a picture of a young, vibrant student. The conducting cannot be faulted. The recording’s sound varies–some moments are too loud. This performance is inferior to one previously released but currently unavailable on Sony with Bayo (better) and Placido Domingo (also not youthful enough, but solid and ardent); if you’re interested, try to find that one.
