This recording of Rigoletto has been around for a long time on various labels. I've heard better sound from other sources, but not overwhelmingly better. This will do if you just want to check out the performance. Giulini was less pedantic here than he was on his studio recording recorded over a decade later. He allows his singers the usual interpolated high notes (the end of the quartet is sung as written though). Scotto is in excellent shape and sings a beautiful Gilda. Pavarotti sings with that juicy, sexy tone that made him so famous. He and Scotto try to outsing each other on the D-flat at the end of the "Addio" cabaletta and both end up screaming. Paskalis is a fine Rigoletto. He doesn't bring the moment to moment specificity to the role as Gobbi does, but his singing is very satisfying. You won't be unhappy with his efforts. The supporting cast is very good too.Giulini makes the usual cuts. A good, sometimes exciting, Rigoletto!

A must-have for all Scotto fans before she started avoiding the high register with that magnificent metallo.