One can only imagine the palpable excitement that the Milanese public must have felt at the prospect of hearing Joan Sutherland only months after her triumphant debut as Lucia di Lammermoor. And Sutherland does not disappoint as Beatrice di Tenda, bringing her signature poise, effortless coloratura, and shining top to the title role.

It must have been more than a little bit intimidating for Raina Kabaivanska to stand next to a phenomenon like Sutherland, especially considering this was her La Scala debut. Fortunately, she matches Sutherland's brilliance, and her steely soprano provides a compelling vocal contrast. Given the power of the leading ladies, it would be easy to overlook the forces of the Teatro alla Scala, but the chorus and orchestra play at a level one rarely hears and deserve special acknowledgment.