La tempranica (Giménez)

Dolores Pérez, Teresita Silva, Luis Sagi-Vela. Coro del RNE, Orquesta Conciertos de Madrid, c. Enrique Navarro
Montilla/Orfeon 25-CDE 232

Teresa Berganza, Rosita Montesinos, Manuel Ausensi. Orfeón Donostiarra, Orquesta Sinfónica, c. Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos
BC 3301 / ZCC 5027 [LP, nla]

The poor-quality Orfeon transfer of Navarro's absolutely complete recording of this seminal score is spasmodically available through large USA online outlets. This is a shame, as the performance deserves to be more widely available, not just for Pérez's heartfelt María, but for Silva's convincingly streetwise Grabié (the 'breeches' role) and Sagi-Vela's silk-smooth Don Luis. Hearing the score complete, despite some second-rate playing and a dull recording, allows us to appreciate the influence Giménez's masterpiece had on later scores, not least de Falla's La vida breve.

No marks whatsoever to BMG for withholding a CD re-issue of Berganza's proud assumption of the title role under Frühbeck. The recording and playing were amongst the finest accorded to any zarzuela, and despite some irritating minor (and less minor) cuts the LP gained classic status. No other singer has come near Berganza's "Sierras de Granada" for vocal splendour, musical subtlety and depth of characterisation. She is well supported by Montesinos as an agile, boyish Grabié; and by Ausensi as a virile Don Luis. Frühbeck's understanding for the idiom shines through every bar, and the gypsy scenes (featuring a fine flamenco singer) have colour, life and substance. This great record should be a priority reissue.

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