These excerpts from a performance at Covent Garden in 1954 make one wish the entire opera had been recorded. There isn't a lot of Sylvia Fisher in her vocal prime available so this is a true find, especially since she sings and characterizes the Marschallin so well. Her Octavian is Constance Shacklock, another excellent singer who didn't get to record very much. Adele Leigh would become better known as an operetta singer a decade or so later and the South African bass Frederick Dalberg is better known for his Wagner roles. It must be pointed out that only excerpts from Act One and Act Three are presented here, nothing from Act Two so no Presentation of the Rose or Ochs' Waltz scene - a great pity given how good Leigh and Dalberg are. We get the opening of the opera between Octavian and the Marschallin through Ochs' entrance, the Tenors aria, and the last 25 minutes of the act from Ochs exit (no low C from Dalberg) to the end of the act. From Act Three we go from the Marschallin's entrance to the end of the opera. The stage manager is a bit intrusive, but I found his contributions rather endearing. The sound is listenable, most of the translation comes through, and Kempe leads his ensemble beautifully. Not for everyone perhaps, but for those who love the opera or are Sylvia Fisher fans this is recommended.

Infuriatingly it sounded as if there was a very good performance going on onstage but the mic. appeared to be in the prompt-corner and the SM make many announcements. Even without his contributions, the sound was simply unacceptable. Very sad !

Sadly this disc had terrible sound and appeared to have been recorded in the prompt corner with a very talkative stage manager making frequent contributions. This is a great pity as it is a "historical" (recording and from what one can hear it is a very good performance The complete 1975 performance is excellent.

good to hear this even if sound was dim. A compelling reading from conductor & Cast