This radio performance of Strauss' chamber opera is populated with singers who specialized in his operas and sang together often. Jurinac is marvelous as the Composer, a role she truly made her own. Her singing is thrilling, especially in the Composer's monologue at the end of the prologue. Few have equaled her, let alone surpassed her in this role. Zadek was a very busy singer after WWII and this Ariadne shows why. Her voice easily encompasses the wide range (from low G to high B-flat) and is more consistent tonally here than it could be. With that sweet, luminous tone of hers, Stretch enchants as Zerbinetta. Other singers have brought more of a "killer instinct" to the high notes and perhaps more panache to the coloratura, but few sound so inviting or as bewitching as Streich.Hopf sounds less effortful in this performance than in some others, his voice steadier with a ring on the high notes that other tenors lack. All the supporting singers are terrific, especially the nymph trio (three very distinguished ladies) and Zerbinetta's companions. Keilberth directs a lively, beautiful performance that captures the heart of this opera.The sound is mostly excellent, but whenever the music pauses for a moment the sound suddenly disintegrates making for some uncomfortable moments. It is especially irritating during the Majordomo's part. Nevertheless all Straussians should acquire this recording and revel in this glorious opera all over again!