Thanks to John G. Deacon for drawing attention to the mention of the
current debate on the "Zarzuela!" site in the Spanish press.

If anyone out there hasn't made the acquaintance of this remarkable branch
of theatre music, do come and take a look.  Newcomers might like to try
Breton's "La verbena de la Paloma" or Vives's "Dona Francisquita", which
are both readily available in superb modern performances (with Domingo,
Bayo, Kraus et.  al) on the Auvidis Valois label.

Zarzuela certainly served Nietzsche as a sovereign antidote to the Wagner
Fever, still so rampant in the West (and East!), as you can see by reading
this month's front page "snippet".

I also like Saint-Saens's reminiscence: "Twenty years ago, travelling to
Spain looking for inspiration, I discovered this goldmine called Zarzuela,
previously unknown to me".

Christopher Webber,  Blackheath, London,  UK.
http://www.nashwan.demon.co.uk/zarzuela.htm
"ZARZUELA!"