Beautifully sung by two of the finest singers technically. Not as dramatic as Callas and Corelli with less raw passion but a lesson in how to sing

By calling this Tosca "fun" I'm not trying to be humorous or condescending. Tosca lovers will know what I mean. There are performances that are better rehearsed or better sung, but they're usually rather stuffy affairs. This one was done for the fans - even the in-house recording was clearly done by a fan. The voices are clearly heard and only threaten to get swamped by the otchestra a few times. There is some minor wow and flutter and even some tape warpage, but fortunately not during crucial moments. Bergonzi's name is listed first and he is marvelous. By 1976 his top was beginning to recede a bit and it takes him a while to warm up (I didn't know if he was going to make the first B- flat, but he does). The audience adores him. Whoever did his offstage scream in the torture scene deserves an award! Caballe is in excellent voice and knocks out some of the best top Cs I've ever heard from her. She's grandstanding for the audience and why not? Her "Vissi d'arte" is superb, sung with an endless supply of breath. She is quite good dramatically too. Paskalis is a classy, urbane Scarpia, an underrated singer. The Spoletta is none other than Dimiter Uzonov, a member of the Vienna State Opera ensemble.Horst Stein shows what a good opera conductor he was by really following and leading his singers. He seems to know Caballe's every move and supports her thoroughly. The audience is polite, but are aware of the unique nature of this performance. Tosca fans must get this!

What a happiness having Montserrat Caballé and Carlo Bergonzi together in 1976 !!!!!They are purely fantastic in these roles !!!!! Thank you !!!!!!

good performance

This is obviously an in-house and we ought to be thankful to whomever did this. As for the performance, there is only one thing to say: If this had taken place in Italy, the performance would have been brought to a halt, full stop, after those Vittoria high As that Bergonzi unleashes on act 2. The screaming would have never ended.

Truly excellent performance of this great opera. Bergonzi is the stand out here. In excellent voice and really at his musical and emotive best. Paskalis is also quite good. Caballe is perhaps not the best fit for the role with regard to temperment, but she sings the part with ease and in places, melting beauty.

Caballe is beautiful and in very good voice. I would have thought that 1976 is a bit late for Di Stefano, however the voice still rings at the top and his passion is still there. Paskalis is a brilliant Scarpia to be reckoned with. An exciting performance.

Good performance