This performance held a few surprises for me. It is, of course, the Italian version presented here, but Sanzogno also gives us the 15 minute ballet that is almost always cut, Overall he also makes fewer cuts than most Italian performances of that era (1970) did. Compare the editions of this and the 1974 La Scala performance with Pavarotti and Cossotto (also available from Opera Depot) and you'll see what I mean.Cossotto is even better here than she was at La Scala. The voice is even from top to bottom with that uniquely vibrant timbre that made it so individual. She hits a number of top Cs here with elan and brilliance. Her Fernando, Luigi Ottolini, isn't quite at her level. It's a good voice with a rather unsettled vibrato that worked better in the verismo repertoire. He has a top C, but tends to be careful with it, ducking the note in his first aria. It isn't his fault though that Sanzogno brings the orchestra in too early on his "E spenta!" at the end. Sereni sings nobly and well. His manly, distinctive baritone was usually taken for granted. It's not surprising he made so many studio recordings. Vince is a terrific Baldassare, singing with an attractive bass that only lacked individuality.Except for a few fleeting bumps here and there, the sound is excellent.