The performance that defines the role. I believe Olivero was competing, in a certain sense, with Tebaldi in some of the Puccini and other verismo roles. Oliver's silvery voice, which she never pushes but colors in extraordinary ways with great freedom of tempo, and while perhaps not as conventionally beautiful as Tebaldi's with her inimitable portamentos, is ultimately the more expressive: Olivero lives the characters from the inside. I have always considered Fanciulla one of the greatest Puccini operas and this performance will win over any doubters, if anything can.

The opening music of Fanciulla always makes me think of those old Westerns from the 30's and 40's; one can almost picture the opening credits: The Girl of the Golden West starring Magda Olivero! Olivero is magnificent. The voice is in great shape and she never flinches from any of Minnie's vocal challenges. The top Cs and Bs pour out like liquid gold. Some might insist she's over the top, but this isn't Mozart. Her hair-under-the-arms response to the drama is completely convincing because she so passionately believes in the character and her dilemma. No wonder the audience goes crazy!Limarilli and Puglisi give it right back to her, both vocally and dramatically. Limarilli was taken for granted in his day, but his ringing, Italianate, handsome voice would be cause for rejoicing today. He also has excellent diction ( really the entire cast does). Puglisi was considered a second or third stringer in his day too. Yet he commands the stage and is a worthy foil to his leading lady.Basile directs a thoroughly enjoyable, exciting performance assisted by the many excellent comprimarios in the cast. The sound is very clear broadcast mono. Olivero fans and, perhaps more importantly, Fanciulla fans should not hesitate to get this!

Idiomatic. Olivero, at this stage of her career, could not be mistaken for a robust frontier gal, but her grasp of style overcomes any obstacles to enjoying an all-out verismo-fest. Sound is excellent throughout!