Karl Böhm was certainly no stranger to Le Nozze di Figaro and during the later part of his career he traveled far and wide to conduct it, often with many of the singers featured in this cast. Gundula Janowitz is radiant as the Countess. Along with the poise she brings to the role, there is also a girlish quality which reveals that despite her new rank the feisty Rosina isn't quite lost. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau's Count is both brutish and suave. Hermann Prey and Reri Grist are well paired as Figaro and Susanna, bringing an earthy sincerity to their respective roles. Brigitte Fassbaender brings an ample voice to the role of Cherubino without sacrificing the purity of the vocal line. Considering how often this opera falls flat no matter how many stars you have in the leads, one appreciates Karl Böhm's ability to inject life into Mozart's most human opera, despite being in his eighth decade.