Amelia is a relatively short role, but it's one that can make or break a performance of Un Ballo in maschera and Renata Scotto, who always could be counted on to bring life to even the most middle-of-the-road performances, decidedly makes this performance. Gianni Raimondi, as Riccardo, can really be said to be the only principal who can come close to matching her Amelia's vocal dexterity, depth and power, and his Riccardo is absolutely best when opposite her. Mario Zanasi is a lightweight Renato, though he musters a touching "Eri tu" and Gianandrea Gavazzeni's lugubrious tempi don't help matters. The rest of the cast ranges from very good (the Oscar) to just okay (the Ulrica, the conspirators). If the performance as a whole never catches fire, Scotto's few scenes set the place ablaze.