Listen to a Sample:

Pros:

• Full disclosure: the sound is not very good in this recording, but the phenomenal performances still manage to rise above the sonic limiations.
• Leonie Rysanek is ravishing as Leonore. She is absolutely fearless when it comes to the daunting tessitura of this part.
• Fritz Uhl gets a chance to show his more lyrical side as Florestan. His opening aria is particularly impressive.
• Gottlob Frick brings avuncluar charm to the role of Florestan and Walter Berry is an imposing Pizzaro.
• Lorin Maazel leads a romantic, yet brisk performance, and treats the audience to a truly rousing Leonore 3 overture.

Cons:

• As I alluded to above the sound is not very good. Probably not the best Fidelio if you are planning any trips to a desert island.

In Mono

OD 11689-2