Margarita La Tornera was an interesting find. It is not going to be one of my favourite operas, the story didn't always ring true for me emotionally and while the orchestration is brilliant with some tuneful melodies I find that nothing really sticks out as memorable. This production, on CD and you can find the whole production on Youtube now, has a lot of interest, though is just lacking as well. Although it does have some inevitably static moments, it does deserve some credit for trying to make the drama more compelling than it is, Sirena's theatre scene is the staging highlight. The costumes and sets are very Spanish and do look attractive, and the production is photographed nicely. The orchestra play with great musicality and various colours, all the instruments have their own beautiful parts that they do justice to. It is conducted with conviction by Garcia Navarro as well. The sound quality is mostly crisp and clear, though it is not always easy to hear Stefano Polatchi. The principals are generally excellent, with only one exception which is Stefano Palatchi, he is very stolid and disengaged and his singing is dry, underpowered and woolly. Placido Domingo however is in great voice and once again manages to live the role of Don Juan, while Elisabete Matos apart from one shrill high C is a sympathetic partner for him and sings with great passion and expression. Angeles Blancas is a seductive Sirena and her rhythmic energy is excitingly incisive, and Angel Odena is a worthy rival to Domingo's Don Juan. All in all, an interesting production of a nice but unremarkable find. 8/10 Bethany Cox
