For standard repertory operas given during this time period (1971) the Vienna State Opera didn't allot much rehearsal time and it shows in this performance: singers drop or forget lines, entrances are ragged, there are some hair-raising misalignments with the orchestra, etc. Wallberg has his hands full just trying to keep everyone together. All the same, there are a number of memorable performances here. Beirer was just short of 60 and his voice, never a beautiful one, has a "noisy" vibrato. Nevertheless he is impressive: when he arrives on stage someone is there. Cappuccilli brings some authentic Italian flavor to the proceedings and earns an ovation after his monologue in Act Two. He also indulges in some campy evil laughter at the end of Act Three. Bjoner is the real draw here. Her voice isn't as beautiful as some others, but she brings her excellent musicianship and dramatic skills to make a memorable Desdemona (she floats an exquisite pp A-flat at the end of the "Ave Maria").For the first 20 minutes the sound is affected with volume inconsistency, going in and out of murkiness. It's gone by the time we get to "Gia nella notte". Otherwise it's tolerable.For fans of the singers.