This recording is, I think, the soundtrack of a television production. I say that because there is no audience noise and no applause. There is a slight buzz in the background, but the ear soon adjusts and it's not that annoying anyway.This is performed by singers who have this music, this style in their blood. Silja recorded this in the studio over a decade later and was still effective, but here she is vocally fresher and just as uncompromising in her characterization. As Andy writes above, Modl's voice was certainly no longer youthful or steady and there were definitely better nights than others. This taping captured her on one of her good nights. Her diction is superb and she makes every word count. Stolze was​ better known for his Mime and Loge, but he also sang Oberon in Britten's Midsummer Night's Dream and Wozzeck (yes, the title role!) so Jimmy is not such a stretch for him. No, his voice isn't particularly beautiful (it never was), but his diction is also great and he sings very musically. He skips the optional top C in his aria. The rest of the cast is just as vivid as the three leads.Most of the score is performed, but several numbers are cut from the second act (probably for timing reasons): the Benares bit and the God Comes Down to Mahagonny scene. It's still a powerful performance and the cuts actually help tighten things up in a piece that can be a little redundant.Recommended to anyone who loves this genre or these singers.

Only worth for Martha Mödl. Never really cared for Anja Silja, totally miscast for the role. Stolze's highly unappealing voice may suitable for dwarfs and villains but not for Jimmy.

is an incredible recording!!!!thank you for discover it me…it’s a pity we don’t see performed more…all the cast is fantanstic! stolze…how histrionic it was…all he sang…Nerone,Mime…a great actor…thanks