Walter H's comments below echo mine. This is a beautiful, well-sung and acted performance of a quirky opera that one either loves or despises. I love it.Rothenberger sings Anne with true beauty of tone, concluding her big Act One aria with an exciting top C. She does as well in the rest of the role, her lullaby in the penultimate scene very moving. Kmentt is a less wimpy Tom than usual. The role seems almost too easy for him. Wachter is a frightening Shadow though his voice isn't as imposing as Sam Ramey's was a generation later. The African-American contralto Vera Little is a first-rate Baba, bringing out her humanity as well as her humor. I loved Prikopa's crackling Sellem. The rest of the cast is just as good. Danon's conducting is top-notch. Be aware that he makes considerable cuts, especially in the last couple of scenes, that serve to tighten up the action where things begin to bog down.The sound is excellent, no glitches that I heard. If you love this opera, you should have this!

I enjoyed this German language recording of The Rake very much. The sound is very good and the performances are excellent. Rothenberger is superb as Anne Trulove and Kmett, Wachter and Little all bring major voices and strong personalities to bear on their roles.