Jones and Domingo are in good shape here though I've heard both in better voice elsewhere. Jones handles the drama of the role with skill, never going too far over the top, but not afraid of the melodrama either (as many contemporary singers are). Her "Vissi d'arte" flows beautifully and she brings it to a moving climax. Cavaradossi was one of Domingo's greatest roles and he gives a passionate account of it here. Occasionally his voice is a little out of sorts with some mildly unsteady tone, but it passes.Paskalis was a fine singer and is a good Scarpia who makes all the traditional, if not very original, choices. The supporting cast includes Gwynne Howell as a memorable Angelotti and John Dobson as a slimy Spoletta. To my ears that definitely is Eric Garrett as the Sacristan. Downes leads an exciting performance. The sound itself is from a good radio broadcast, but a caveat should be entered: another performance can sometimes be heard bleeding through. It's most annoying during the quiet moments of Act Three. The performance isn't ruined by any means and should be heard by Tosca fans or admirers of these singers.

great Performance, gwyneth jones and domingo in top form

According to rohcollections.org.uk, Richard Van Allan sang the Sacristan on 8 and 11 December 1971...but Eric Garrett was scheduled on 1 January. Garrett was the regular Sacristan so maybe Van Allan (whose usual role was Angelotti) was covering and ROH got it wrong?

I was a choirboy in Act I, so it was nice the hear this. I used it in a lecture recently ' My Life Around Opera'. FYI, I think the Sacristan is Richard Van Allan and not Eric Garrett. The Royal Opera House website backs up this thought. My old programme also gives this singer.