The raison d'etre for this release is probably Giuseppe Taddei's vivid Nabucco, a portrayal not captured often. His powerful, occasionally unsteady voice brings the arrogant, vindictive king to life with precise diction and rhythm and true Verdian style . His performance is worth the cost of the discs alone.Souliotis' meteoric career was already beginning to wind down by 1973. The top notes are still there, if occasionally a little tight. Certainly the soprano is always a presence: when she arrives onstage Someone is there. The coloratura sounds a little ragged and the lack of properly supported tone is a drawback. It was a great shame she would only last a few more years.Cava is an excellent Zaccaria and the two lovers, Merolla and Canali, make memorable contributions too. The all-important chorus encores "Va, pensiero". Previtali leads a strong performance preserved in listenable sound. The voices are clearly heard, the orchestra a little faint at times.Get this for Taddei and enjoy the entire performance.

The microphone for this recording is placed a little too the near the audience which is very noisy during the sinfonia but they do settle. Voices however are present and clear, and what voices. Cava a famous a famous Zaccaria is resonant and imposing. Souliotis voice has diminished somewhat in power but remains stable and exciting. Her voice full of different colours is always fascinating.Of course Taddei, arguably the pre eminent baritone of his time, his voice undiminished by his fifty odd years here, is a superb Nabucco (he sang into his seventies) his voice resonant and beautiful.Merolla with his biting muscular voice fills the unrewarding role of Ismael admirably.