De Los Angeles was a uniquely charming and alluring Manon in the famous 1955 studio recording under Monteux. What's so surprising (reassuring really) is how good she still is in the role eleven years later. Her performance defines natural charm. Her singing is lovely with only a few concessions to time (she leaves out the optional high D-flat in the Act Four trio that she sang earlier in her career). More important is how believable she is as a naive 15 year old young lady who simply wants to have a good time. She and Bonisolli are magical together. If you've only heard Bonisolli post 1980 or so you're missing the chance to hear what an artist he could be. He sings lyrically with a fresh, masculine tone without any of the pushing that emerged later on. He is clearly listening to his partners and enjoying the role. The supporting cast is likewise superb. I don't think I've ever heard a Comte Des Grieux as convincing as Pierre Sabignol and Jean-Pierre Lafage is perfect as Lescaut. Guy Gauvin and Diego Monjo sing and act their roles with detail and precision. Etcheverry conducts a much fuller edition of the score than was usually heard in 1966. We get the often cut Cours-le-Rein scene with the ballet; the Gavotte is moved to Act Four in place of the ladies' "De lor! De lor!" quartet.The sound is good with some minor static here and there. The first minute of Manon's recitative before "Adieu, notre petite table" is missing.

Victoria de Los Angeles and Franco Bonisolli are ideal here as the two main protagonists. She is a sensual and playful Manon. The individual beauty of the voice and a touch of girlishness make her portrayal particularly provocative. Bonisolli sings with a beguiling delicacy( the similarity to the young Di Stefano is uncanny). This role also requires a dramatic power and Bonisolli has that in spades and high notes to die for- which became part of his stock in trade. There is a beautiful diminuendo in his " Enfermant les yeux".The rest of the cast is a strong one with an imposing Comte from Pierre Sabignol.In very good sound this is a recording to treasure.