Excellent sound. Great performance.

Except for a few roles here and there, Gencer isn't usually associated with verismo heroines although she performed her share, especially early on in her career. As the quintessential verismo heroine, Santuzza, she's in excellent form though the voice is more wiry sounding than it was a few years earlier. Her top is still secure (though she leaves out the final top C) and her involvement in the character is complete. Her sobs towards the end of her big scene with Turiddu are gut wrenching. The audience adores her and the conductor wisely holds the orchestra after "Voi lo sapete" to give them time to adore their diva.Zambon has the kind of Italian tenor that isn't very common today. He knows how Turiddu is supposed to go and gives his all as does Meliciani, another type of Italian voice on the verge of extinction. The Lola and Mamma Lucia are very good as is Umberto Cattini's conducting.This was probably recorded some place close to the stage as the voices are clearly heard over the orchestra. All verismo and Gencer fans should get this!

Leyla Gencer is a singer I discovered only after her career was over. I have been collecting her wonderful performances that are preserved and am very pleased to have this Cavalleria Rusticana. Gencer was a very instinctive performer and her Santuzza has both refinement and passion. There is always something exciting about her tone, her vocal control and her complete immersion in the character she is playing. It is a performance one should have if you love this opera and one that you should investigate if you have interest in this performer, who was unfortunately very much under represented in America. Zambon and Meliciani provide good support.