This is a generally fine Italian Werther. Bergonzi is very fine as Werther. I did not enjoy Casoni as Carlotta-a little too shrill for me when a subtle voice is required. The sound is very listenable if not the best. A nice alternative performance of a lovely opera.

The Sound is really good, Bergonzi excellent.

The fact that this performance is in Italian will, unfortunately, disqualify it from consideration by many opera lovers - and it's their loss. Werther goes well in Italian, the passionate emotions worn on the sleeve, less subtle perhaps than in the original French, but more emotionally involving.Bergonzi is the big draw here and no wonder: he is marvelous. In 1969 Bergonzi's voice still had that spinning, mellifluous quality that made him such a favorite of audiences all over the world. He is an impassioned Werther too. The underrated Casoni is a lovely Carlotta. She is especially good in the last scene where her voice takes on a luster it doesn't quite have in the earlier scenes; her cry of despair at Werther's death is chilling.The other singers are all excellent. Trimarchi makes much of his few opportunities as Alberto and Ravaglia sings a beautiful Sophia. De Fabritiis conducts a capable performance that doesn't overindulge some of Massenet's soupier moments.The sound is very clear broadcast mono. If you love Massenet and/Bergonzi, you must get this: you won't be sorry.

Werther fits Bergonzi's rich middle voice well and his vocalism is one of the big reasons for hearing this. The San Carlo audience encourages a more emotional performance from him than we used to get in North America, and that's all to the good, too. His Charlotte is a good match; rich voiced and generous. De Fabritiis doesn't get in anyone's way but doesn't add very much to the proceedings, either. We used to call that experienced conducting. The sound is OK.

For me Carlo Bergonzi is the best tenor in the world, for all italian operas and french also, my favorite tenor. His technic is perfect, but most importantly his musicality, style, phrasing. Wonderfull

Best Werther I've listened to - French or Italian!

Compelling reason to purchase this recording is to hear the great Carlo Bergonzi sing Werther. Other principles are decent, but not quite at his level and the pacing is a bit lax overall.

Surprisingly good. Werther is such a French opera but Bergonzi makes it work wonderfully in Italian.

This is one of the most exciting performances of this opera you’ll ever hear…Glorious Carlo Bergonzi sings with relentless passion and endless beauty. In every way his Werther is an obsession..Bianca Maria Casoni is equally as effective….it’s a wonder she’s so unknown to many.