I was disappointed in this performance. I did love Peerce but was disappointed with Gre B. She was shrill and hard to listen to. Also, the sound was not very good which did not help the singers. Sorry, but I'm not fond of this performance.

A Sleeper is usually defined as something that is an unexpected success. This performance defines the term. Brouwenstijn was always known as a fine singer, but she is chameleon-like here in her ability to handle the Verdi style. In a word, she is thrilling. The top soars just where it needs to, the phrasing is grand, and she always conveys Leonora's desperate

She always conveys Leonora's desperate frame of mind. Her "Pace, pace" is very moving as is her scene with Guardiano. Towards the end of a long career Peerce still sounds remarkably good as a passionate Alvaro. There is a little tightness at the very top and, as always, his timbre can be a little dry. It's also very clear why he was used in this repertoire so often. We'd love to have this type of secure singer for these roles today. Shaw shows again why he was so dominant in these Verdi roles. The voice is solid and imaginatively used. Capecchi is great as Melitone as is Garazioti as Preziosilla. She takes the optional top C in Act Three and sustains it! Littasy is too little known - what a beautiful voice! He partners Brouwenstijn very well in their big scene. The other singers are just as good. Erede knows how this opera is supposed to go and leads with authority and flexibility. The traditional cut of the "Sleale!" scene is made and there are a few other minor cuts along the way.The sound is excellent; my copy was glitch-free as well. All Verdians should hear this performance; no one performs this opera like this today.