Leonie Rysanek's Tosca is well-represented in Opera Depot's catalogue. This performance is one of seven and though the voices are somewhat recessed it sounds much better rehearsed than some of the other recordings from the Vienna State Opera.Rysanek herself is in excellent voice, the top blazing, the middle more settled than it had been in the past. Her "Vissi d'arte" is poised and heartfelt, deserving the acclaim she receives from the audience. There are some different takes on some of the key moments: "Quanto?" and "Il prezzo!" are spoken almost defiantly as if Tosca has suddenly realized that this cat-and-mouse game has all been theater. Her deliberate singing of the famous Act 2 curtain line "E avanti a lui" is chilling, her discovery of Cavaradossi's death terrifying. James King sings extremely well with ringing top notes and heroic defiance (whoever does his offstage scream of pain in Act 2 deserves a raise). Eberhard Wächter is really too lyric of voice for Scarpia, but emerges seductively evil. The supporting cast is made up of great singers like Karl Dönch (Sacristan), Hans Braun (Angelotti), and Kurt Equiluz (Spoletta). Klobucar leads an exciting, taut performance. Rysanek's 1953 radio broadcast in German presents her in the best sound, but this one shows Rysanek's portrayal in its maturity.

Rysanek's Tosca commands a considerable place in Opera Depot's catalogue. This performance is one of seven and is one of the best. Unlike several other performances with Rysanek, this cast managed to get in some rehearsal time. The orchestra and singers are rarely out of sync with each other, Klobucar leading a dynamic, well-paced performance.Rysanek was in excellent voice on this occasion, having no difficulties with the music or the drama. Indeed, she gives us very individual readings of key moments: her "Quanto? Il prezzo!" is very cynically spoken, she rises to a huge top C on "Io quella lama" and then takes a moment before exhaustedly finishing the phrase. The murder scene is more understated than some of her other readings of it (she leaves out the third "Muori!"), her reading of the Act 2 curtain line, "E avanti a lui", sinister and quiet. Her discovery of Mario's death is hair-raising.King sings with ringing top notes and great conviction. Wächter is a more lyrical Scarpia, but a suave and sexy one too. The supporting cast includes the delightful Karl Dönch as the Sacristan and the ever reliable Hans Braun and Kurt Equiluz as Angelotti and Spoletta.The tapist is occasionally a little fidgety, but overall keeps the mic still. The voices are slightly recessed, but the ear adjusts quickly.Recommended to Tosca and Rysanek fans alike!