The timing of Mignon Dunn's career, during an era blessed with an extraordinary abundance of great mezzo-sopranos, meant that she was not always the first choice for many of the major houses and recording companies. This performance, however, demonstrates that hers was a Carmen for the ages, combining vocal beauty, sensuality, and the vocal heft to make the final scene truly explosive. She is joined by the young Plácido Domingo, who matches her intensity with a voice of unfailing natural beauty.

Frank Guarrera's name may have faded somewhat in recent decades, but he gives a magnificent performance as Escamillo. The enthusiastic ovation that greets his entrance suggests the audience already knew they were in the presence of a world-class artist. It is also worth noting that both the chorus and orchestra perform at an exceptionally high level, making this one of the finest all-around performances of the opera I have heard in quite a while.