The first examples date from 1864, the last from the 1960's, and most of the best zarzuela composers and librettists turned their hand to revista at one time or another. Alonso , in particular, produced a phenomenal quantity of light music in the few years before his death in 1948, with a tireless energy which endeared him to the people of Madrid above all other zarzueleros . Attractively presented though they are, in uniform format with general essay and original cast photos, I confess that some of the earlier volumes strained the musical patience of this well-disposed novice at least. The first four Volumes, mainly devoted to Francisco Alonso , are more attractive to zarzueleros looking to extend their musical knowledge of her spangled sibling.
Miracles never cease.
And like a certain well-known religious celebrity at the Marriage at Cana, Sonifolk seem to have saved the best wine until last. To start with the latest and best, Vol. The whole score is fresh as paint. Alonso's score is in his most lively popular vein, with thumping good tunes and the odd whiff of welcome melancholy to vary proceedings. Sonifolk round out the CD with more Rosillo, another helping of the smouldering Srta.