But this Santa Fe Opera revival was such a good show that even my Fanciulla-hating opera companion on this trip had a conversion, an epiphany of sorts, after Act Two! I do realize my love for the Puccini horse opera is not universally shared. Who could forget the dramatically galvanizing poker scene of Act 2, or her searing vocalism? Ever since that memorable experience, I’ve always looked out for an opportunity to attend this opera wherever I can, which is not often enough. I had the great good fortune of hearing Renata Tebaldi as Minnie in New York, way back in 1970 when I was still a student. When in the right hands – or should I say right vocal cords - it’s a marvelous evening at the opera. I can only speak for myself - I consider Fanciulla great theatre, and certainly one of my favourites. This opera has never achieved the same exalted status accorded the other Puccini’s masterpieces such as La boheme, Tosca, or Turandot. The second opera of my Santa Fe trip was that Puccini “spaghetti western,” The Girl of the Golden West. Santa Fe Opera: Patricia Racette (Minnie) and Gwyn Hughes Jones (Dick Johnson) in The Girl of the Golden West (Photo: Ken Howard)

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