This performance captures all that is good with Don Pasquale. I have always liked Tajo. His scenes with Panerai are excellent. Overall this might not be the top Don Pasquale to purchase, but it is up there.

Margherita Rinaldi was overshadowed by Renata Scotto internationally, but she never lacked for work in her native Italy or in Europe (she also sang in America). Here she gives us as charming a Norina as one could wish for yet one with the requisite edge when needed. Her singing is a model of bel canto elegance. She caps the Act Two finale with a great high D although, for whatever reason, she doesn't sing a C at the end of the duet with Don Pasquale in Act Three. She justifies her high reputation throughout the performance.Tajo is a magnificently sputtering Pasquale, very ornery and lovable. He and Panerai make a great team. Baratti is a not-very-well-known lyric tenor and a very good one too. He sings a lovely Ernesto and duets perfectly with Rinaldi. Molinari-Pradelli gives us most of the score. He still cuts Ernesto's cabaletta in Act Two - why? But we must be grateful that he is a good Italian maestro and knows the traditions of the opera.The sound is excellent. The opening bars of the overture are missing and an Italian announcer is present at the end of the acts. If you love this opera, you need to get this recording!