I was initially unsure about this Tosca- Nilsson was not my idea of Tosca. But, I came around-Nilsson sings the heck out of this role. Ulfung also is a very strong Mario. The other cast members were unknown to me but they all were fine. Savini kept the Swedish Opera Company moving at a fine pace. Finally, the sound is excellent capturing the voices perfectly for a live performance. A surprisingly fine performance. Go for it.

AN EXCELLENT LIVE PERFORMANCE STARRING BIRGIT NILSSON! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! A MUST!

Ulfung seems often a semitone too low, but does a great job. Nilsson, of course, is the star of this performance and she proves once more her brilliant singing and acting skills. The orchestra seems a bit sleepy, but becomes much more grand, especially in the third act. All in all, a wonderful performance with one of the most dramatic Tosca-screams and -finales I've ever heard. Almost a must-have.

... and there is not so much to add to this recording, it´s just one of the greatest (ever) sopranos in an exceptionally good performance ... and Ulfung adds sth like "another" - let´s say: nuanced - aspect to the role her Mario. I really love this rendition since I recorded it in 2018 from a broadcast of P2, Swedish radio, for Nilsson´s sake in the first place and for Saeden´s part as Scarpia, which leads to one of the best 2nd acts.Get it, where you can, preferably here at OperaDepot :-) and while you can, before it vanishes again in the void of highly praised and hard to get rarities.

Outstanding

Birgit Nilsson loved singing the Italian repertoire perhaps even more than the Wagner/Strauss roles she so often sang. Tosca was one of her favorites and she is thrilling in this performance from Stockholm preserved in excellent sound. She commands the stage from her first entrance and sings like a goddess. The high C's are effortless and her rendition of "Vissi d'arte" wins her a long ovation. She's also on top of the role dramatically - the second act crackles with tension. And her scream when she discovers Mario's death is blood-curdling!Ragnar Ulfung was a fine singer-actor and musician. Here he is cast against type; he's just not a hot-blooded Italian tenor. One respects his efforts while wishing that Corelli could have made the trip to Stockholm. Erik Saeden was a first-rate baritone who never had a big international career, but whose voice and artistry were highly regarded by all who heard him. He's a great Scarpia too, sexy and creepy all at once.The supporting cast is very good and sports an unusually characterful Jailor in the third act (as well as a Sacristan who forgets some of his lines in the first act). Savini leads an energetic, exciting performance. If you love Nilsson or Tosca in general, you'll enjoy this performance.