This performance from London's Royal Opera finds most of the cast included in the DG recording of this production, intact and at white heat. Everyone is firing on all cylinders - such a great demonstration of verismo at work. Carol Neblett is in perfect voice, scaling the heights and depths of the vocal line with fearless attacks and deep involvement. I just love the sumptuous middle register and fierce top register. A favorite Minnie captured for all time. Her being a California native does inform her emotional palette. The strength of her tone reads in all registers with heated emotions in place and still audible over the heavy orchestration. And that poker game....Exciting! Placidó is giving his all at the summit of vocal powers with emotional connection to the text and his relating to the plot actions in moment after moment. The stunning power and beauty of his vocal capabilities are on full display with a generous emotional and musical offering. Silvano Carroli, as Rance, demonstrates a bite in his character and vocal line while snarling, still displaying a roundness of tone. With these principals and excellent support from the depth of the ROH company, every bit of tension and beauty is evident. A great performance! And Zubin Mehta is the perfect leader for the constant shifts of tempi, orchestration, a superb orchestra and chorus at his command, and a surefire understanding of tempo and shading to the confident development of the plot. A masterful support of all the artists and drama in this emotional performance. One feels wrung out, in the best of ways. Do get this performance. It will be one of the best in your collection. Sound is very good with just slight distortion at the loudest peaks..but not bothersome.

Wonderfull performance in great sound. But your advertise is not correctbecause you, obviously use the BBC broadcast which was onJanuary 21r, 1978. Anyway just for information of correction but, musically this is a great Fanciulla!!!!.