This performance of Hoffmanns Erzählungen reflects the time in which it was recorded. There are cuts must conductors wouldn't allow today, yet also some passages that are traditionally trimmed now that are played in full. Schock is heard at his freshest as Hoffmann. It was a role he must've sung a lot as he made two querschnitt records with different singers and sang the title role for the German soundtrack on the famous Beecham film. His four ladies are each distinctive and very accomplished. Lipp sings an enchanting Olympia, her coloratura precise and clean. Mödl stands out as one of the few singers who actually makes something of Giulietta. Her Barcarolle with Von Ilosvay smolders with temptation. Trötschel is a lovely Antonia. She just makes it to the C# at the end of the trio, but expires on an excellent trill. In her two words in the Epilogue Jansen makes clear Stella's disgust with Hoffmann.Welitsch (no relation to Ljuba by the way) is superb as the four villains. His Diamond Aria stands out for its seductive legato and ringing high Gs. Kassek is funny as the four servants, Rohr sings with distinction as Crespel. Szenkár conducts a remarkably fluent performance. This is the best sound I've ever heard for this recording, far superior to Gebhart's noisy mastering from two decades ago.If you love Hoffmann, get this!