Los sobrinos del capitán Grant (Caballero)

Dolores Cava, Mary Carmen Ramirez, Luis Villarejo, Joaquín Portillo. Coro Cantores y Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid, c. Benito Lauret
Alhambra WD 75123 / or / Novoson Z-568 [extended highlights]

Although this CD only provides highlights of Caballero's most varied and seductive early score, most of the best music is here. The 1972 recording isn't ideally clear or well balanced, but the singing is strong. Portillo has most to do as the old infantryman down on his luck, and does it well. Cava and Ramirez are equally good in the bi-lingual duet for Lady Ketty and Soledad, and Villarejo contributes a lustily sung aria for an Australian bandit. The chorus and orchestra respond well to Lauret's stylish and energetic direction, and this represents a more than useful stopgap until a complete recording (please!) emerges.

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