Virginia Zeani takes on the formidable role of Turandot, but this time it's not courtesy of Giacomo Puccini. In this rare recording, it is Ferruccio Busoni's Turandot that benefits from Zeani's unique star-power. Her fiery yet glamorous temperament proves a natural fit for the ice princess, leaving me to wonder how she might have fared in Puccini's version.

Angelo Mori brings burly lyricism to the role of Kalaf, and a young Lucia Valentini-Terrani offers a lush Adelma.

The recording makes an excellent argument for an opera too often relegated to the shadows.