This superb recording of Eugene Onegin captures Julia Varady and Wolfgang Brendel just before they became international sensations. Varady, in particular, brings the audience on a journey of the coming of age of a young girl into a woman, highlighting Tatiana’s girlish fragility during the letter scene and then strong-headed resolution in the final scene when she rejects Onegin. Brendel also combines a nice balance between refinement and youthful swagger giving Onegin an elegance that helps to keep the character somewhat sympathetic. Kurt Moll delivers a brief but impactful turn as Gremin and the rest of the cast sports veterans like Marga Höffgen and Hertha Töpper.