Given the lackluster nature of the sound quality, I debated whether or not to include this recording in the catalogue. I was ultimately persuaded by the unconventional casting of notably dramatic voices in the leading roles, and by the degree to which they convincingly adapt their instruments to Mozart’s distinctive style.

Hungarian soprano Sylvia Sass would go on to make a major impact in the great dramatic roles of the operatic repertoire, but here, captured as Fiordiligi at the age of 24, she displays a voice of remarkable agility combined with the dramatic color and weight that would later define her prime. Hanna Schwarz, as Dorabella, matches Sass in vocal weight and dramatic color, yet still delivers Mozart’s lyricism and delicacy with notable assurance.

Bernd Weikl exudes elegance and swagger as Guglielmo, supported by a voice of uncommon beauty.