Listening to the young Jose Carreras is a glorious thing: the tone is shiny and smooth, the top rings out thrillingly, the phrasing passionate - and it only lasted a short while. Never mind: here he is in excellent shape and the audience loves him. They also love Johanna Meier's tempestuous Tosca, giving her classy rendition of "Vissi d'arte" a warm reception. Meier proves again what a fine singer she was, but also how adaptable she was to different composers and styles. Her Tosca is never over-the-top yet she doesn't shirk the drama. Her reading of the famous "E avanti a lui" curtain line is one of the most credible I've heard. The big discovery in this performance is William Justus as Scarpia. I'd heard of him and seen his name in cast lists, but had never really heard him. He is an excellent Scarpia, full of venom and singing with beautiful tone.The supporting cast is just as good as what one might hear at the house across the plaza. Morelli leads an exciting performance. The sound is from an in-house tape, but one that captures the singers well. Only occasionally are they overwhelmed by the orchestra. Recommended to all Tosca lovers!