This recording is probably best appreciated by specialists and those willing to accept some flaws both sonically and musically. The sound is listenable although there are times when the singers wander farther from the mic than most of us would like. For the most part though everyone can be clearly heard. Rosvaenge was considerably past his vocal prime by this time (1964), but still manages to be impressive both as a singer and as an actor. His voice has become rather leathery, but he knows the role well and manages to be both commanding and frightening. For whatever reason he leaves out certain lines (memory? resting his voice?). You will have to listen carefully to hear his performance of the final line: the choral exclamation right before that is cut, there is a long pause, and one can just make out him hissing "Der Spiel ist aus!"Felicia Weathers is the real vocal star of the evening, singing her role with beautiful tone and ringing high notes. Her laugh when she dismisses Tonio is particularly low and heartless. Wolfgang Anheisser, a popular German baritone at the time, is an ardent Silvio who joins Weathers on the high A in their duet (it's in the German tradition of the role). Robert Allman is an effective Tonio though not one to efface memories of some of the great baritones of the past. Brokmeier, a staple of the German opera scene for many years, sings Beppe very well. The chorus and orchestra are good as is the conducting.Recommended to fans of the singers.

Roswaenge getting past it, for his collectors this is history. He still has all of his high notes without barking, and he an still do a decent legato as in the middle portion of Canio's 2nd act aria.

Rosvaenge was then 67 of age and still singing his high tunes. But nevertheless it is only for people who loved his earlier performances. All the other singers were first choice of the cologne opera house.