This performance of Tosca finds Régine Crespin at a point in her career when she had complete command of her upper register, which she employs here with remarkable power to thrilling effect, while maintaining an uncompromised legato and, at times, exquisite delicacy.

Giuseppe Di Stefano is likewise in fine voice on this occasion, bringing his characteristic ardor and instinctive stylistic assurance to the role of Cavaradossi. Otakar Kraus delivers a Scarpia of exceptional menace without allowing the character to descend into a stock villain.