Let's get the sound issue out of the way immediately. This was recorded by someone out in the house and while listenable the voices have that recessed, cavernous sound well-known to those who collect live performances. Janowski leads a spirited performance with three good leads. Domingo sings very well; the tessitura is high for him, but he manages a fatuous portrayal of a man who shouldn't be left in a room with a plant, let alone a woman. It's good to hear Geszty in a role other than Zerbinetta and she performs Gilda's high-lying music with assurance and a lovely timbre. She sings the traditional high interpolations (well, most of them). Ruzdak is a fiery Rigoletto who sings beautifully. Too bad he's not around today; he'd give the current crop of baritones some real competition. The supporting cast is excellent and includes Vera Soukupova as Maddalena (she was a Bayreuth Erda) and Maria von Ilosvay as Giovanna, still recognizable in timbre after years of singing Wagner.Not an essential Rigoletto then, but one for those who like the three leads and don't mind the in-house sound.

It is interesting to hear great Croatian baritone Vladimir Ruždjak as Rigoletto in Hamburg State Opera, where he was member from 1952 till 1974. That is certainly a nice addittion to my collection. I like Geszty and Domingo in this recording. I am admirer of Janowski and I like him here, also. It is nice Rigoletto, however not so special (for me at least). Perhaps I am not in the mood for this masterpiece right now.