Rare historic performance
Barb | 05/27/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Recorded live on March 27, 1957, this is a rare historic document, but it has the audio limitations one might expect: much analog hiss, and plenty of audience noise can be heard.
The CD contains a note on the performance:
"We issue this performance as it was presented. The music usually performed as an Intermezzo between Acts I and II is here given as the Prelude. The Prologue, with which the opera usually begins, is placed before the beginning of Act II and is performed by Mario Del Monaco."
Liner notes are limited to a brief discussion of the unusual differences in this performnance and commentary on the cast, along with a track sequence (no libretto)."