This is a very interesting performance in very good sound. Souliotis never sang better, no sign of her impending disaster. Mario Sereni, a somewhat undervalued artist, is a very good Don Carlo. In the theater the voice may have been a bit small, but that is no impediment here. Vinco is a good Guardiano. The rest of the cast, with one exception, is fine. The performance goes amazingly off the rails when the tenor botches the last duet with Sereni and wanders for at least a full page. Even this is interesting, though--I've never heard a professional singer mess up so badly. Sereni somehow keeps his head, and after what feels like a very long time, the tenor finds his way back. In general the tenor, Menippo, has an unpleasant if not quite ugly voice and struggles throughout the evening. He is badly over parted by Alvaro (one of the most difficult Verdi tenor roles, after all). I have to think he was covering for another, indisposed, artist. He is definitely not up to the rest of the cast, but he allows the opera to be performed and the rest of it is well worth hearing.

Souliotis is wonderful in this recording, the voice is full and powerfull, her Leonora a moving, flesh and blood heroine. Her second act aria is very fine,(The audience thinks so too) and she is heartbreakingly touching in the final trio. The Alvaro, Carlo Menippo while not in her class, and in spite of some moments of unsteadiness has an attractive voice and sings the role well enough. Mario Sereni had one of the most attractive baritone voices of the 50's and 60's and gives us an energetic and appropriately young sounding Carlo. Ivo Vinco is a sonorous and dignified Pardre Guardino and Alfredo Mariotti a "singing" Melitone, avoiding the unnecessary histrionics often associated with this role. Franca Mattiucci is a vibrant Preziosilla.The sound is particularly good.

Souliotis and Sereni exceptional