Tebaldi made her famous Decca studio recording of this opera a few years earlier and it's still a classic. Here in the studios of Rome RAI she is just as touching as the golden-hearted Minnie and she's in very good voice too. She manages the top notes very well and allows us to bathe in the smoldering timbre of her voice. Barioni is excellent too, if a little tight on top. Guelfi is a formidable Rance and the supporting cast is first-rate. Basile leads with a sturdy hand. I have to hand it to RAI: the three gunshots required by the libretto are sufficiently loud and frightening. The sound is also very good though there is a touch of wow and flutter in Act Three.Tebaldi fans must acquire this as well as fans of the opera itself.

Renata Tebaldi's supreme vocal security and technique enables her to be fully expressive of Minnie's beautiful character. Her voice is at It's most beautiful. When It's appropriate for her to employ vocal power, the effect is staggering. Each of the other principals is vocally secure and able to fully express their character. The performance is a cornerstone.