Great performance great sound

There are a lot of Tebaldi Toscas out there and this is one of the best. Her top Cs aren't as accurate here as elsewhere, but that's my only quibble. She knew the role well and what worked for her. "Vissi d'arte" is simply gorgeous; I was surprised she didn't grant an encore. The finale is hair-raising with her shrieks of "Mario! Mario!" and then her final howl as she jumps. Gotta love her; no wonder she's a favorite of so many opera lovers.Di Stefano is very ardent and he always sang well with Tebaldi. Some of his top notes betray his ill-advised foray into heavier roles that would eventually wear the enamel off his vocal tone. He still knows how to caress the line and the audience loves him. Bastianini is a good Scarpia, sung with that rich, masculine baritone that makes opera lovers sigh with happiness. He doesn't do anything very original as Scarpia, but he works well with his colleagues. The supporting cast includes Nicola Zaccaria as Angelotti and Carlo Badioli as the Sacristan. Gavazzeni is accommodating without being a push over in the pit. Certainly he doesn't rush Tebaldi like Molinari-Pradelli did.The sound is very good and for once the disc break is in the right place (after Act One.) All Puccini lovers should have this!

It was very good to listen to.

This an outstanding Tosca in excellent sound. I have 5 Toscas featuring Tebaldi-2 on dvd from Stuttgart and Tokyo– and 3 on cd -2 live plus the Decca with del Monaco and London. But her performance here is awesome.She was in the best vocal condition of her life and I think she knew it. She sounded as if she could do what she liked with the music. She did not disappoint in Vissi Darte. I think this is her best.di Stefano gives a great overall performance, but at this stage there is clear evidence of damage to his upper register. Anything above A natural is dull and a struggle. However his Elucevan is marvellous and he successfully effects an excellent diminuendo on “Disciogliea dai veli”. What a pity that he did not take care of his gorgeous lyric instrument instead of subjecting it to roles too heavy for it.Bastianini is Bastianini. No other baritone sounded like him. What a voice. Maybe he does not get inside the role like-say- Gobbi or Taddei but he is vocally superior. I could listen to him forever.The minor roles are excellent and Gavazzeni is in complete control.I shall be flaunting this in front of my operatic friends–5 Stars !!.