Search - Manuel de Falla :: Falla: La Vida Breve; El amor brujo; etc.

The de los Angeles album

Robert T. Martin | 02/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"La Vida Breve, Falla's very short one-act opera, is an acquired taste. It's an Iberian Cavalleria Rusticana with an improbable plot; verismo in it's vocal sections and Spanish in it's famous dance interludes. If you like this sort of thing or are willing to take the plunge, Victoria de los Angeles' performance as Salud has been critically acclaimed in this justifiably famous performance. The other singers are fine and Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos leads the Orquesta Nacional de Espana stylishly. Disc 1 is filled out with de los Angeles performances of Falla's Seven Spanish Songs accompanied by pianist Gonzalo Soriano. Ms. de los Angeles sings these as well, if not better than anyone.



Disc 2 begins with Fruhbeck de Burgos conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra in El Sombrero de los Tres Picos again with Ms. de los Angeles providing the vocals. Maestro de Burgos' conducting is incisive, well inflected and the playing is colorful. This would be among the top choices for performances of this work.



Next is perhaps de Falla's masterpiece El Amor Brujo. Ms. de los Angeles, ever the great artist, knows exactly what she can do and finds a sweet spot between the purely operatic and the gypsy styles. Fine diction gives her voice just enough grit and texture to support an interpretive concept which is somewhat restrained-she seems more a narrator than a participant- but still delivers the goods. Carlo Maria Giulini leads the Philharmonia in a colorful and atmospheric performance that simmers rather than boils-a wonderful collaboration between conductor and singer.



If you're looking for an over-the-top and flamboyant Brujo (in a score that really doesn't need to be hyped-up) check out Stokowski's 110% efforts. Unfortunately his stereo version is marred by Shirley Verret's vocalism- a very fine singer who can't seem to find her way in this work. Stokowski also has a mono version (pretty good sound) with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra from the 40's with Nan Merriman who does a fine job.



Texts and translations have been provided including a fine essay by Richard Osborne entitled "Victoria de los Angeles sings Falla." The sound is excellent."