I'm not sure of the source of this performance; it sounds like a television studio recording because the overall sound is clear and there is no audience noise, not even applause at the end. This is one of Tchaikovsky's most beautiful operas (it was on a double bill with The Nutcracker at the world premiere).Josephine Barstow had one of those distinctive voices that one recognizes right away. She is in excellent shape here, soaring when the composer asks her (not often in this score) and presenting a very human, moving portrayal of the blind-without-knowing-it princess. Adrian De Peyer was an underrated tenor in England at this time who could sing just about anything. He provides strong, subtle singing; one is immediately on his side. Norman Welsby (Donner and Gunther in Goodall's English language Ring cycle for the ENO) sings a superb Robert with excellent diction. The other soloists also contribute strongly with clear diction. Barstow's words are sometimes a little fuzzy, but that may be the recording which is good, if occasionally a mite fuzzy. David Lloyd-Jones was a Russian opera specialist and he conducts a lyrical performance of an opera I wish we heard more often. If you love Tchaikovsky and/or opera in English, you'll enjoy this tremendously. Picky point: Salome's final scene should have started with "Es ist kein Laut zu vernehmen" (or whatever it is in English) instead of as the head is being brought up out of the cistern.