I have had this recording of Bizet's opera on vinyl records since 1985 when it was first issued. This CD version on EMI Classics (two discs), released in 2009, is a budget re-issue. In other words, only a short but informative introduction by Michel Parouty, a synopsis (in French and English) and numbered cues, are provided but NO libretto.
'La jolie fille de Perth', a very loose adaptation of Walter Scott's 'The Fair Maid of Perth', is a delightful opera, full of memorable melodies, composed in 1867, between 'Les pecheurs de perles' and 'Djamileh'; Bizet on his journey towards creating one of the greatest masterpieces in the operatic genre, 'Carmen', completed in 1875, the year of his untimely death.
What makes this recording exceptional are the singers, all in their prime back in 1985. Especially notable are June Anderson (Catherine) and Alfredo Kraus (Henry). They are at their finest. The lesser roles are sung by such notables as Jose Van Dam (Ralph) and Gabriel Bacquier (Simon). The exception is a young Gino Quilico (le duc de Rothsay), son of Louis, just as he was starting out on his career, already a singer showing promise.
Loads of fun, and at a very reasonable price, and an insight on Bizet's path towards immortality.