Even though the sound on this recording is not great, it's listenable and pitched correctly. Somebody back in 1966 snuck in a tape recorder and this is the result. That somebody was a bit fidgety (he couldn't sit still during "In questa reggia"?), but I'm glad this performance was preserved.Amy Shuard not only has thrilling top notes, but her voice is sure and steady from top to bottom. There is no wobble anywhere (how many contemporary Turandots can claim that?) She's a little cool in the temperament department, yet that's not inappropriate to Turandot's character. Corelli is typically thrilling as Calaf; he may well have enjoyed singing opposite another Turandot other than Nilsson. The normally reserved Covent Garden audience is very enthusiastic about him. Under Mackerras' direction he is also more disciplined. Vaughn is a lovely Liu though her reserved approach to the role is at odds with the music. Her scream when tortured in the last act is so unconvincing one almost laughs. The rest of the cast is equally good. Mackerras makes no cuts so we get "Dal primo pianto" as well.This is probably more for Turandot die-hards, but Shuard's seamless soprano is always worth hearing as is Corelli's Calaf.

Gute Sänger, die durch die schlechte Tonqualität kaum zu hören sind.

If you can put up with merely adequate sound (and the audience participation) you’ll quickly realise that this is an exceptional performance. There were three performances with this cast and I was at the 1st and 3rd. The latter counts as one of the greatest nights in my over 60 years of opera going. That night Shuard, Vaughan, Corelli and Mackerras scaled the heights. Unforgettable.