A wonderful performance. I didn't care too much for Fioravanti's rather gruff singing, but the other three are superb. The only fly in the ointment are the cuts. In Act One this is mainly final sections of duets and ensembles. But in Act 2, the whole of the Adina/Nemorino/Dulcamara ensemble is thrown out, as is Adina's "Nel dolce incanto" (granted, this was usual at the time.) And Nemorino never does find out about his uncle. The humour is catching, even though we can't see what's going on. Niggles aside, fully recommended.

The Pirate Gods smiled happily on this delightful performance of Donizetti's comic masterpiece. Giuseppe di Stefano lives up to his reputation as one of the most beautiful tenor voices of the last century with a melting rendition of "Una furtiva lagrima". He is equally good everywhere else, making Nemorino a lovable peasant rather than a goofy nerd. He surprises us with an excellent interpolated top C at the end of the duet with Belcore in Act Two.Fortunately, everyone else in the cast is just as good. Rosanna Carteri is an enchanting Adina, her singing of the "Prendi per me" in Act Two one of the highlights of the performance. Fioravanti is a hilarious and yet very well sing Belcore and Corena is a delightfully dotty Dulcamara with a superb command of the patter. The Giannetta is also very good - too bad we're not told who she is. Sanzogno conducts with great spirit and the chorus members sound like they're enjoying themselves. I wish Sanzogno wouldn't cut so much, but that's the way things were back then.The sound is excellent with only a very few minor glitches. If you love this opera or these singers, get this as soon as possible. Your life will be all the better for it!

The CD has good sound for a live recording. Di Stefano, as usual, is at his best.

Wonderful – A dream,di Stefano will remain the greatest Nemorino of the past century….Listen to his “Una furtiva” and you’ll see the Sicilian Sun shining and hear the voice of the Angels…