A recording of Nabucco with a cast as uniformly astonishing as this is a rare gift. Giangiacomo Guelfi, with his oversized voice and commanding presence, seems tailor-made for the title role, delivering a performance full of vocal weight and dramatic conviction.

At just 23, Elena Souliotis takes on the treacherous role of Abigaille with fearless intensity. At an age when many sopranos are still navigating the lighter lyric repertoire, she hurls herself into Verdi's demanding vocal lines with power, agility, and a sense of dramatic urgency that belies her youth. It's a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat portrayal.

Nicolai Ghiaurov brings his warm, expansive bass to the role of Zaccaria, lending the part an uncommon elegance and vocal sheen. His presence rounds out a cast that meets every challenge Verdi throws at them.

There is a hiss throughout the recording.