Zaza

Compared to the music of most of Puccini's contemporaries, this is a distinctly high grade work. There are lapses of taste (signified by clamorous and gratuitous tuttis) and certain failures of lyrical invention, but many memorable moments - not least the wonderfully evocative introduction to Act 3. It certainly merits a professional UK production.What somewhat spoils things is Petrella's voice; she is far, far too old and matronly sounding to play a sexy minx like Zaza. Campora is, however, very convincing, if a little ragged at the very top. The orchestra is adequate but no more.A qualified recomendation, then.