I was immediately struck by how exciting this performance is. The singing, conducting and playing are all first rate. It’s too bad there was not a commercial recording with this cast. But fortunately, we have this live recording in perfectly acceptable sound. Other reviewers have commented on Cristina Deutekom. It’s true that the way she produced her coloratura is a little odd, but I have always found her thrilling. I don’t know how I missed this recording until now.

I have this recording and will tell you plainly there truly is no better recording in existence than this one. Yes, there is plenty of audience and stage noise. Further, it is probably a house recording with, at times, recording issues. However, this is a masterpeice of an opera and one of the most brilliant Verdi operas until Rigoletto. Yet, this is the ONLY recording I know of where the male voices—which are absolutely essential to bring this opera off well—are in place here. Not only this, but the conduction, the singers, and choir are at their zenith of energy. Christina Deutekom has a strong, yet kind of odd voice at volume—which can get tiring to the ears. Nonetheless, I still love her and frankly it is the male voices that make or break this opera anyway. A clear recording it ain't. But it is a stone cold nuclear performance.

Once your ear adjusts to the sonics, this is a performance to be treasured. The singing is solid Verdi in the grand tradition. La Deutekom is incomparable, Moldoveanu & Zancanaro provide the requisite testasterone AND NELLO SANTI proves again that he is without a doubt the finest Italian conductor of the late 20th C. There are a few pitch issues (the last 2 tracks were very sharp!) but that can be corrected and is a small price to pay for having this exciting performance of a seldom heard Verdi opera in one's library.

This is a very fine performance of this opera. Santi knows how to lead this score. The supporting cast is good and the three leads are wonderful. Zancanaro sings with power and ring. Moldoveanu is vibrant and it is good to have him in this role. He was very much under recorded. Deutekom is an acquired taste…I love her. Her voice has a vibrancy that is amazing, her coloratura is unique but completely individual. There is no mistaking this voice. In a part written for Jenny Lind, she is a great choice. The sound allows one to enjoy the performance without being the very highest quality.

I liked it very much!