The combination of purity of tone and vocal strength made Victoria de los Ángeles particularly well-suited to Puccini’s repertoire, especially the role of Suor Angelica. In this recording, de los Ángeles conveys a quietly devastating stoicism—understated, yet deeply expressive. The opera’s apotheosis is rendered with such emotional clarity that it stands among the most affecting moments I have heard in recent memory.

She is supported by the refined detail Tullio Serafin draws from the orchestra, each phrase shaded with care and intention. Opposite her, Fedora Barbieri lends gravity and a touch of warmth to the role of the La Zia Principessa.