Monteverdi receives the romantic treatment in this admirable, yet flawed, performance of L'Incoronazione di Poppea. One must give credit to RAI Milano for undertaking the revival of this timeless masterpiece, but the numerous cuts and newly composed orchestration at times distort Monteverdi's original intentions almost beyond recognition. The orchestration is relentlessly thick, with swelling strings often weighing down the singers and limiting the natural flexibility of the recitatives. Even so, Monteverdi's genius shines through. In many ways, this more modern approach helps the listener appreciate just how musically adventurous he was, and how, to a remarkable extent, many of the composers who followed him seem almost conservative by comparison.

The cast is especially notable for featuring Carlo Bergonzi as Nerone. His tenor is both imposing and tender, making him a near-ideal interpreter of the role. Maria Vitale is captivating in the title role, though one wishes the vocal writing afforded her more opportunities to display her silvery soprano. Oralia Domínguez, as Ottavia, commands the stage, particularly in her great final scene, which simmers with intensity and poised restraint. Rolando Panerai takes on the castrato role of Ottone with distinction, while Mario Petri brings stoic gravitas to the role of Seneca.