One doesn't usually think of Andrea Chenier as a work associated with the Germans, but here it is in an excellent translation with a fine cast. In the event, Chenier goes well auf Deutsch.Hopf shows again that he was stronger in Italian roles than in his better known German repertoire. Of course he sang the roles in German, but his voice takes on a squillo on top that it doesn't have, for whatever reason, in the German repertoire. He is a passionate Chenier and his duets with Schech generate real excitement. Schech's performance will surprise those who associate her with capable, but wooden performances elsewhere. Her top rings out splendidly and she sounds very comfortable in this repertoire.Metternich is a splendid Gerard. Singing in his native language, he sounds comfortable and communicates all the man's tortured, divided emotions. The supporting cast is excellent: every role is well done with an especially creepy L'incredibile. Sawallisch makes a brief cut of the Maddalena/Bersi scene in the first act (why? Chenier is a short opera). In addition, there are a few gaps in the mastertape and the very end of the second act is missing. Otherwise the sound is very good.Recommended to fans of the principals and those who love verismo opera.