Maralin Niska was a tremendously good singing actress who was taken for granted by a lot of companies because she was always good in whatever she did. She shows her skill here as Santuzza, her singing smoldering, but keeping something in reserve. This Santuzza is ashamed to show her feelings, but feels she has no other choice. If there's a Pagliacci with Niska out there, I'd love to hear it.Landon Bartolini was the Met's utility Italian tenor for awhile. In this performance his voice sounds lighter in color, but no less passionate then when he sang across the plaza. He and Niska make their big duet the emotional center of the opera it's supposed to be. Pulli Toro is an unusually good Lola, singing beautifully with plenty of spite in reserve. Diane Curry is great as Mamma Lucia and John Darrenkamp is a fiery Alfio. The chorus sings very well, supported by Luigi Martelli's able baton. The sound is probably from a house tape, the voices always clearly heard over the orchestra. I'm glad Andy made this performance available - anything with Niska should be heard!

New York City Opera Orch. & Chor.Luigi Martelli, conductorApril 24, 1976CAST:Maralin Niska (Santuzza)Lando Bartolini (Turridu)John Darrenkamp (Alfio)Pulli Toro (Lola)Diane Curry (Lucia)

I'm very pleased with my purchase, but I would have liked to have the full cast listing provided with it.