PENELLA: “El Gato Montes.” Placido Domingo, Veronica...

PENELLA: “El Gato Montes.” Placido Domingo, Veronica Villarroel, Juan Pons, Teresa Berganza; Orquesta Sinfonica de Madrid, conducted by Miguel Roa. Deutsche Grammophon 435776-2. This recording may win zarzuela more friends outside the Hispanic world, not least for the urgency, sweep and polish of the performances. Manuel Penella’s music, including the famous pasodoble quoted or mimicked whenever the corrida is evoked, meets standard expectations for Andalusian fire and rhythmicality, deftly scored. The central trio--Pons in the title role, Domingo as the bullfighter “El Macareno” and Villarroel as Solea, the woman both love--deliver rich-sounding characterizations, making intense, well-balanced emotional connections. The age apparent in Berganza’s voice is quite appropriate to her brief but pivotal part as a Gypsy fortuneteller; lesser roles are well cast. Roa leads a swift, dramatic account, recorded with great clarity.