This recording preserves a lovely performance of Entführung aus dem Serail at Aix-en-Provence in 1954, the same location for magical performances of Cosi fan tutte, Nozze di Figaro, and Don Giovanni just a few years later. Gedda is in superb voice and sings like a dream. One regrets the habitual cutting of "Ich baue ganz" (which he sang so well on other occasions), but that was the custom until fairly recently. Stich-Randall isn't faultless vocally, yet she embraces Konstanze's determination with such confidence that it doesn't matter. Her "Ach, ich liebte" is sung amazingly well for someone who wasn't a specialist in coloratura; her "Martern aller Arten" is sung with defiance and panache.Prietto is a charming Blondchen, complete with high E in "Durch Zärtlichkeit". Senechal actually makes something of Pedrillo, a role that can be annoying. Arië is a good and funny Osmin with a solid, rolling bass-baritone; he avoids the low D in "Ha, wie will ich triumphieren!". Vernier speaks the Bassa's role with dignity and strength. Rosbaud leads a spirited performance where everyone sounds like they're enjoying themselves. The sound is excellent and pitched correctly. Another great night for Mozart at Aix-en-Provence!

good voices, the orchesta.