La Fanciulla del West, Puccini's penultimate opera is based on a play by David Belasco set at the height of the notorious California gold rush. The composer took three years to complete the work, which, for him, marked a new stylish departure. With more modern harmonic combinations and local melodies, Puccini pieced together a far larger canvas than anything he had tackled before. In this recording, Piero Faggioni's highly detailed staging is matched by Ken Adam's superbly atmospheric sets. Carol Neblett sings the role of Minnie "The Girl of the Gold West," Placido Domingo is as ignitable as ever in the role of Dick Johnson, alias the bandit, Ramirez, and Silvano Carroli sings the sinister sheriff, Jack Rance. Conducted by Nello Santi.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Plácido DomingoDick Johnson | Dick Johnson |
| CCarol NeblettMinnie | Minnie |
| SSilvano CarroliJack Rance | Jack Rance |
 Robert LloydAshby | Ashby |
| JJohn RawnsleySonora | Sonora |
| GGwynne HowellJake Wallace | Jake Wallace |
| JJohn DobsonTrin | Trin |
| NNorman WelsbySid | Sid |
 Francis EgertonNick | Nick |
| TTom McDonellBello | Bello |
| PPaul CrookHarry | Harry |
 Robin LeggateJoe | Joe |
| IIan CaddyHappy | Happy |
| PPaul HudsonBilly Jackrabbit | Billy Jackrabbit |
| JJohn GibbsJosé Castro | José Castro |
 Nello SantiConductor | Conductor |
| OOrchestra of the Royal Opera HouseNot listed | Not listed |