There is quite a bit of static at the beginning of this performance, but it doesn't obscure the music and lessens as the act continues. From the last ten minutes of Act One on, the sound is rather dull, but certainly listenable and pitched correctly. The performance is a hot one. All the singers sing as if their lives depended on it - and in Vienna 1955 maybe they did. Performing was an escape from the difficulty of everyday life that was then the norm in post-war Europe. Roswaenge was past his vocal prime, but still a capable singer. His top notes still had a lot of squillo left in them and he and Zadek sing a final duet that will make you glad you love opera. Zadek is a tremendously moving Maddalena, a part most of us wouldn't associate with her. Her top notes are fearless and if she isn't as emotional as an Italian Maddalena, she conveys the young woman's growth from a spoiled, sheltered girl to a loving, sacrificing woman. Bayle, a Dutch baritone, sang a lot in Vienna in these years and one can hear why. He has a rich, steady voice that expresses all of Gerard's conflicting emotions. The supporting cast is equally characterful. It should be noted that the Madelon scene in Act Three is cut (Why? This isn't a long opera!) Moralt keeps everything moving swiftly and surely.This isn't an Andrea Chenier for people just getting to know the opera, but those who love this opera should hear it. Chenier goes well in German too!

Performance fair. Sound poor due to static, distortion (audio overloading), bad shortwave reception, and possible wrinkling of tape recording itself.Bought it for Roswaenge who still sounds excellent, even with unwritten high notes.

All the famous Vienna opera singers in one performance. What else do you want.