Good performance.good sound.

This is an exciting live performance from a concert in Japan. I am not familiar with Alberto Ventura the conductor but he does not disappoint moving this at a lively but not too fast pace.I bought this to hear Caballe as Tosca and she does not disappoint. She gives Tosca as much passion as needed while still singing softly when called for. Di Stefano has a much harder time but I still enjoy him and so did the audience. The rest of the cast is fine and the Scarpia is experienced and sings well. The sound is clear with voices forward. There is slight background hiss which blends in and does not ruin the sound. An enjoyable performance I am happy to have.

This was Di Stefano's attempt at prolonging a career that was quickly coming to an end. The voice itself was not unattractive, but years of forcing a basically lyric instrument to sing music for which Nature did not intend it had taken their toll. He still has a top though it costs him some effort and he still sounds like himself. He also still has the charm he always had in front of an audience and this audience will forgive him everything. He is greeted with vociferous applause throughout the performance. He occasionally drops lines, but it matters not at all. The audience loves Caballe too and she rewards them with some of the strongest and longest high C's I've ever heard her sing. Her "Vissi d'arte" is a masterclass in technique and how to shape an aria. Dramatically, she is more interesting than she usually was as Tosca. By 1975 her tone on top could be a little blowsy and it takes her a while to warm up. By Act Two though she is on fire and really gives the audience a performance.Herlea is a terrific Scarpia, singing with beautiful tone and a commanding presence. The rest of the cast is good too. Ventura leads a capable performance, undercut by an orchestra unfamiliar with the music and the style. The sound is excellent. If you love these singers, you'll indulge them as this audience did.

I bought this recording principally for Caballe and I very much enjoyed her in it. I knew Di Stefano was well past his prime and, even though, this recording is not great on his part, he still has a lot of style and charisma. I was kind of amazed at how good he was. Herlea is an interesting and satisfying Scarpia and the sound is very good.