Excellent performance. Bergonzi May just be the best tenor of all for Ballo. Only Bjoerling and Pavarotti can dispute that. Gencer is terrific although I would give the edge to Leontyne Price and maybe also Caballe and Milanov. The other singers are all fine although there are better

Bought this because of Gencer and was not disappointed. She was sensational. Bergonzi was his usual fine Verdi tenor.

This is one of the best performances of Ballo I've ever heard. The three principals live up to their reputations and the supporting cast, if not at that level, is never less than very good. Gencer was singing Amelia for the first time here and the care she took in preparing the role is most evident. There's nothing she can't handle. Her signature involvement is evident from the first note she sings. The first aria builds to a magnificent climax on the top C and the second one displays her consummate command of the breath, the phrasing imaginative and colorful.Berginzi partners her very well. He was in youthful, assured voice and amply demonstrates why this was considered one of his best roles. It's not surprising that the audience is so impressed with him. Zanasi sings a great Renato. He didn't lack for work, but other baritones of the time superceded him in the recording studio. Gatta is a charming, if rather anonymous Oscar. Lazzarini is a serviceable Ulrica with a clear, unforced low G. De Fabritiis leads a memorable performance in the days when this type of cast was the expected norm. That this is no longer the case makes recordings like this even more valuable.The sound is very good, a few passing moments of radio crackle aside. All Ballo lovers or fans of the principals should have this!

Bergonzi is the definitive Riccardo, here singing with Verdi in his veins. Zanasi’s timbre shares an uncanny balance with Bergonzi in warmth and vibrato. This was Gencer’s first Ballo. She approaches technical challenges with customary aplomb, spinning and morphing phrases to her strengths. Her performance is crowned with an exceptional “Morro”! Lazzarini offers depth and bite. Gatta possesses bull’s eye accuracy and a penetrating top. Maddalena and Foiani are appropriately shadowy. De Fabritiis lends a firm arc. Mono sound excellent.