This performance of Manon captures Ileana Cotrubas at the height of her powers, and although the recording quality leaves much to be desired, Cotrubas's brilliance comes through clearly. Hers was an essentially lyrical voice, yet it bloomed beautifully at the top, making her ideally suited to roles such as Manon, which require a singer to convey youth while still rising above the force of Massenet's orchestration.

Alain Vanzo sings Des Grieux with effortless grace.