Guridi: Amaya

Though many consider any opera in the Spanish language to fall in the "Zarzuela" category, what we would call "operetta," this "Amaya" is clearly an opera...a GRAND opera. I loved it from beginning to end. It is very Wagnerian and uses leitmotifs. The orchestral sections are astounding! Though there WAS a Spanish version of this opera from the beginning of its history, this recording is in the Basque language, as Guridi intended. It is a reflection of Basque attempts to create a "national opera," like other European countries did. To further regional nationalistic feelings, this opera tells a story based on the history, mythology, and literature of the Basque Country. The sound of the two CDs is wonderful. The singers are amazing! There is a complete libretto in Basque/English in a 56 page booklet.