Ingrid Bjoner was known for her Turandot in this country because of a Met run in the role in 1974; she also sang the part on a German language querschnitt (highlights) disc with Anneliese Rothenberger and Ludovic Spiess (she sings most of the role on OD #11085 too). She was not so well-known as Tosca, a role she sang frequently in Europe. Her portrayal is cooler than some of her Italian and American colleagues which makes the moments when she does get excited even more dramatic (she lets out a believable howl of despair at the end when she discovers her lover's death). Her voice isn't always perfectly steady, but her top notes ring out excitingly. Her "Vissi d'arte" is contained, but passionate. I liked her restrained choices, especially in the murder scene. Romanian baritone David Ohanesian is also a more restrained Scarpia. He rarely shouts, but when he does - watch out! Angelo Mori was one of those very good Italian tenors who took up the slack when more famous names weren't available or were indisposed. He too has ringing top notes and he certainly knows what the part is all about. Spoletta, Sciarrone, and the chorus sing their parts in German, everyone else uses the original Italian. Mancelli keeps everyone together and doesn't let the pace drag. This was recorded either in-house or from backstage; the voices are recessed but audible. Once the ear adjusts it's not bad.