Kenneth Montgomery leads an accurate, rather restrained reading of Le Nozze di Figaro, but that is not to say his cast does not cut loose and deliver when called upon. Leading the way is Margaret Price, whose gorgeous instrument and remarkable understanding of style make for an arresting Countess. Victor Braun, as her husband, gives a rousing rendition of his third-act aria and is often the funniest person in the cast. Geraint Evans sounds rather avuncular for Figaro, especially opposite Elizabeth Robson's pert, youthful Susanna, but there is no one more accurate than he when it comes to this role. Trudeleise Schmidt is a rather bland Cherubino, though she sings "Voi che sapete" sweetly, and the comedy trio of Clifford Grant, Heather Begg and Alexander Oliver, as Bartolo, Marcellina and Basilio, were the best Covent Garden had to offer for quite some time.