Magda Olivero was considered a goddess in this repertoire and here she shows why. Her voice is in great shape, smoldering with passion, believing every moment of the melodramatic plot. She was also a mistress of the messa di voce as shown in her death scene where she performs her lines in a half voice that is almost unbearably gripping. A classic portrayal!She is a assisted by a youngish Giuseppe Giacomini, sterling of voice and fully committed to the role. He and Olivero are an excellent team. I like that he sounds younger than she is; it makes sense for the plot and adds a sexual tension not often found in opera.The supporting cast is equally excellent. I wish the entire cast had been given. The bass who sings Cirillo, the servant in the first act, is unusually good. Ferruccio Scaglia leads his cast in an exciting reading of this wonderful, corny opera.The sound is mostly very good, the voices having sufficient presence throughout. There is some "ghosting" in the last act, but it's not too annoying. Lovers of verismo and this opera in particular will be thrilled with this performance (once available on the now defunct Bella Voce label).

Olivero and Giacomini are white hot! Their unbridled abandon, passionate, vengeful, is beyond any human scale. Does knowing Giacomini is half Olivero’s age add to the eroticism? Giordano’s score is cinematic under Scaglia.

excellent