For a cast largely composed of non-French speakers, this performance manages to evoke the distinctive flavor of Debussy's quintessentially French sound world. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf captures the enigmatic nature and subdued passion of Mélisande with captivating nuance. Ernst Haefliger may not get to fully display his superb tenor due to the role's baritonal range, but his commitment is evident, and the tonal contrast with Michel Roux as Golaud adds dimension to their onstage rivalry. Though the role of Yniold is typically sung by a boy, Graziella Sciutti delivers it with such skill that it feels entirely right. At the helm, Herbert von Karajan draws out the romantic richness of Debussy's lush orchestration.