This recording is another one of Opera Depot's "Sleepers" - a performance that is much better than it looks on the cover. Granted, MacNeil had been a star baritone for over a decade already so his reputation alone might sell the set. In the event everyone here is extremely good and the result is an exciting performance of one of Verdi's earliest operas.MacNeil is in excellent shape, his mahogany colored baritone better controlled than it could be. He knocks out an A-flat at the conclusion of his duet with Abigaille and then grandstands by holding the high G at the end of his fourth act cabaletta until he runs out of breath - don't get in his way! The underrated Emma Renzi is a thrilling Abigaille, dispatching the two octave drops and weird coloratura of her role with casual ease. She sounds like a Prima Donna in the best sense. The young Carreras makes Ismaele stand out with his beautiful, fervid singing and Alicia Maraslián gives a memorable rendition of Fenena's last act aria. Giaiotti is a very accomplished Zaccaria, a few moments of uncertain intonation in his Act Two aria aside. Ottavio Ziino leads an accomplished chorus and orchestra in a robust performance. Except for some minor static that develops under the Sinfonia and continues through part of the opening chorus, the sound is very good, the voices clear and forward; we've all heard a lot worse.Highly recommended.