Lovro von Matacic is not usually associated with Italian opera, but he is a decided asset in this performance, allowing his singers time to shape and mold their lines while spurring the entire cast on to a fiery conclusion. The singers include a young Italian tenor named Luciano Pavarotti as the Duke, English baritone Peter Glossop as the jester, and American Louise Russell as Gilda. One important correction though: Sparafucile is sung by Ruggero Raimondi, not Ivo Vinco as listed.Pavarotti sounds marvelous, his glorious tenor soaring through music as to the manner born. He sings the hell out of "La donna e mobile" with an endless high B at the end. He muffs the D-flat at the end of the "Addio, Addio" cabaletta, but otherwise sings flawlessly. Glossop surprises with his ferocity and passion. He sings very well indeed. Andy rather dismisses Louise Russell in his comments above, but I think she sings Gilda beautifully. She includes every high note that high sopranos traditionally sing (including an impressive high E at the end of "Caro nome"). Matacic, however, denies her a D-flat at the end of the quartet. He takes most (though not all) of the then traditional cuts, including (alas!) the entire first statement of "O veglia, o donna". There is no "Possente amor" though the storm trio is done complete. The sound, apart from a few minor glitches in the original tape source, is very good. Recommended to all Rigoletto lovers!