This famous performance has been around on a number of CD labels over the last 25 years or so. Hilde de Groote was given credit for singing Sophie on the first issue until someone finally corrected the error and Lucia Popp was finally acknowledged (I remember thinking "That's got to be Popp unless she has a sound-alike sister!"). The first couple of bars of Act 2 have been missing from every issue I've heard of this performance though the official issue on the expensive Orfeo label may have them (Orfeo had access to the original Bavarian Radio tapes).Fassbaender, Popp, and Ridderbusch are all terrific. Ridderbusch is captured here in his vocal prime. He brings a vocal beauty to the role that is not heard often while easily accessing the high and low notes. Watson is heard a bit past her vocal prime, but she still sings with grace and skill. More importantly, she knows precisely what the Marschallin is thinking at every moment and conveys that through her singing. The supporting cast is made up of Munich regulars who form a coherent team around the principals. Everyone in the cast, the orchestra, and the chorus has obviously performed these roles together many times and it shows in the tight ensemble. Kleiber is in his element and leads a sumptuous performance preserved in very good broadcast sound,Any Rosenkavalier enthusiast should have a Carlos Kleiber Rosenkavalier in his/her collection. This is one of the best!