Jussi Björling's presence adds a welcome jolt of star power to this otherwise provincial-sounding performance of Verdi's Rigoletto. Though not in absolute peak form, he still delivers with that unmistakable Italianate ring and elegance that sets him clearly apart from the rest of the cast.

The most compelling of the remaining principals is Kerstin Meyer, whose droll Maddalena adds a touch of character and vocal color. Sven-Erik Jacobsson, as her brother Sparafucile, makes little impression, and Erik Sundquist sings an unobjectionable, technically solid Rigoletto, though his interpretation leans more toward dutiful than distinctive. Eva Prytz brings an attractive, if slightly fluttery, tone to Gilda, but her upper register lacks security, especially in the cadenzas.

Of particular historical interest is the appearance of a young Ingvar Wixell—one of the great future interpreters of Rigoletto—in the small role of Conte Ceprano.