This red-hot performance of I Pagliacci captures a youthful ensemble of emerging talent, most notably a 26-year-old Plácido Domingo as Canio. Domingo offers sterling vocalism, wielding a thrilling, animalistic fervor and a security at the top of his voice that would elude him later in his career. He is well-matched by Maralin Niska, whose silver-toned soprano lends Nedda's music a vivid blend of passion and defiant hope in the shadow of encroaching despair.

Dominic Cossa makes a striking impression as Silvio, his performance marked by warmth and lyrical finesse. Credit is due to Julius Rudel, whose direction reveals both musical precision and an astute sense of theatrical pacing.