This recording relights a passion for Puccini, and Italian opera in general, that I have not felt since I was much younger and heard the Callas/de Sabata Tosca for the first time. Like that recording, this recording is the definitive benchmark recording for this opera. Tebaldi and Del Monaco are in their element - one of the great 20th Century couples in full flight; Tebaldi's tone is rounder and more brilliant than any other Minnie while creating a superbly rounded character and Del Monaco is remarkably convincing. This is Del Monaco's finest studio recording even better than his Otello, his voice sounds less nasal than many of his recordings in the 1960s whilst not so heavy and unsmiling as some of his earlier records which altough showing off a remarkable voice have only two apparent dynamics - loud and louder. The sound here is very good - I would rate this, beside Culshaw's Aida with Karajan, as one of the best sounding opera recordings in terms of conveying atmosphere. Recommended without hesitation
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