I expected this to be an enjoyable performance, but I didn't expect it to be so visceral in its impact. To be sure it has its flaws, but it also makes one thankful for opera lovers willing to take the risk of recording a live performance. At 58 (or thereabouts), Del Monaco is in fine shape. The voice rings out with that squillo on top that thrills us all. Furthermore he lives the character and is terrifying in his raging at Nedda. The audience adores him; it's easy to hear why. Taddei is a marvelous Tonio. Other baritones have provided more ringing top notes or a smoother line, but Taddei really gives us the character. I only wish he had been allowed the final line as the composer wrote it (Del Monaco would never have countenanced that!). Lotte Rysanek is a sterling Nedda, singing her Ballatella beautifully complete with the written trills. She provides exciting high B's in the final scene too. Helm is a sexy Silvio and who is the Beppe with such a distinguished voice? None other than Adolf Dallapozza who was a Vienna State Opera regular for years. Guadagno conducts very well, following his singers when necessary, but leading when appropriate. The chorus is good, but for whatever reason sometimes don't sing their lines in the last act.The sound is from a decent in-house source, the voices clear and only slightly recessed. It is also pitched correctly. Highly recommended to Del Monaco and Pagliacci fans.

Its so interesting to hear DelMonaco so late in his career singing better then he did years earlier.The top was great. He did put alot of the sound into the mask,but this is a riveting performance,if a little over the top. But in this day of bland performances with blah singers like Kaufman,Callegha,etc. this is a reminder of whats lost in the Opera world.Taddei was probably in his 60s and allthough there is a wobble,the mere quality of this fine baritone still shines through. Lotte Rysanek,Leonies sister was a lovely lyric soprano and would be welcome on todays stage. Guadagno was always excellent in verismo and the sound is decent.Very good performance.