This Covent Garden Tosca of 1955 has been around in one form or another for a long time. I first had it on Ed Rosen's Legato label and found it thrilling. Tebaldi was in excellent voice and had no trouble with the top C's that night. Her Tosca is passionate, womanly, and determined to win against all odds. If only Molinari-Pradelli wouldn't anticipate her and step on some legitimate dramatic pauses (he had a habit of doing that in live performances).Gobbi is a saturnine Scarpia who knows how to be a brute when he needs to be. Tagliavini sings well and fits in with his more outgoing colleagues. Howell Glynne is a fine Sacristan as is Michael Langdon as Angelotti. The sound is very good though there are a few minor tape glitches, none of great consequence. This is an exciting performance and should be in the collection of any Tosca lover!

Fantastique . Tebaldi and Gobbi a-t-il théorie Best

This production was Tebaldi’s official CG debut. Previously, she sang Desdemona on a La Scala tour to CG in 1950. These would be her only CG appearances. This was also Tagliavini’s CG debut. His only return engagement would occur the following season, partnering Milanov in her CG debut as Tosca. Here, Tebaldi is impetuous and imperious, captured in her effulgent prime. Tagliavini may be a shade light, singing with vigor if not complete abandon. Gobbi’s dramatic profile is definitive, and his singing has a youthful sheen. Molinari-Pradelli leads with energy and polish. Sound excellent.

This is pretty good. I have 10 Toscas in my possession ( 6 featurijng Tebaldi). My favourite Tebaldi is the Met broadcast with Tucker and Warren, although Tucker was never my favourite, and Warren either had an off-night vocally or was past his best.Now, I am very fond of the Brussels Tosca with di Stefano and Bastianini.I was very eager to hear how Tagliavini handled Cavaradossi, and I was quite satisfied. Yet I still prefer di Stefano in his declining state on the Brussels. When it was in pristine condition his voice was much more beautiful than that of TagliaviniGobbi at 42 was still at his best and interpretative powers very much in evidence.However I have always been a sucker for a glorious sound and if banished to a Desert Island I would take Bastianini.I do'nt think Renata was at her glorious best vocally on the night, but she doesn't disappoint in Vissi d'ARTE. The minor roles are very efficiently done especially Glynne Howell's Sacristan.

three excellent principals

The Sacristan was HOWELL GLYNNE, not Glynne Howell (presumably a confusion with Gwynne Howell!!)