Gino Bechi

On this CD:

1. Rigoletto, opera Quel vecchio maledivami
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Rome Opera House Orchestra with Gino Bechi, Tancredi Pasero

2. Rigoletto, opera Cortigiani, vil razza dannata
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Gino Bechi
Conducted by Umberto Berrettoni

3. Rigoletto, opera Ah! solo per me l'infamia
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Gino Bechi, Gina Bernelli
Conducted by Umberto Berrettoni

4. Il Trovatore, opera Il balen del suo sorriso
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Gino Bechi
Conducted by Umberto Berrettoni

5. Un ballo in maschera, opera Eri tu
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Gino Bechi
Conducted by Umberto Berrettoni

6. La forza del destino, opera Solenne in quest'ora
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Rome Opera House Orchestra with Gino Bechi, Giacomo Lauri Volpi

7. La forza del destino, opera Invano Alvaro
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Rome Opera House Orchestra with Gino Bechi, Giacomo Lauri Volpi

8. Otello, opera Credo in un Dio crudel
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Saint Cecilia Academy Orchestra with Gino Bechi
Conducted by Antonino Votto

9. Otello, opera Era la notte
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Saint Cecilia Academy Orchestra with Gino Bechi
Conducted by Antonino Votto

10. Don Carlo, opera Io morrò, ma lieto in core
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Milan Symphony Orchestra with Gino Bechi
Conducted by Argeo Quadri

11. Falstaff, opera L'onore! Ladri!
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Milan Symphony Orchestra with Gino Bechi
Conducted by Argeo Quadri

12. Pagliacci, opera Si può?
Composed by Ruggiero Leoncavallo
Performed by Saint Cecilia Academy Orchestra with Gino Bechi
Conducted by Vincenzo Bellezza

13. La Wally, opera T'amo ben io
Composed by Alfredo Catalani
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra with Gino Bechi
Conducted by Umberto Berrettoni

Tracks:

Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi...Celeste Aida
La Donna E Mobile
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Qual Turbamento...Salve Dimora
O Dolce Incanto...Chiuder Gli Occhi
Che Gelida Manina
Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Dovunque Al Mondo
Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba
Intanto Amici, Qua...Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante
Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso
Non Colombelle!...Ah! Tu Ch'Odi Lo Mio Grido
Che Avvien?...Ah! Non V'Avvicinate...No! Pazzo Son!
Cujus Animam
Panis Angelicus
Ingemisco
Ave Maria
Core 'Ngrato
Funiculi, Funicula - Chorus

Tracks:

'O Sole Mio
La Serenata
La Danza
Aprile
Mattinata
Torna A Surriento
L'Ultima Canzone
La Vita E Inferno...O Tu Che In Seno
E La Solita Storia Del Pastor
Un Di All'Azzurro Spazio
Andrea Chenier...Corragio!...Si, Fui Soldato
Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio
Di' Tu Se Fedele
Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M' E Forza Perderti
Rachel, Quand Du Seigneur
Puisqu'on Ne Peut Flechir...Vainement, Ma Bien-Aimee
Io Son Sol...Ah! Dispar, Vision
Ah! Non Mi Ridestar
Quanto E Bella - Chorus
Nessun Dorma - Chorus

Customer Reviews:

The Art of Gigli.......2007-03-09

After Caruso's death, Beniamino Gigli became one of the most renowned tenors in the world. His rich voice well justified his reputation. While some of his mannerisms (the little "cries" and "catches" in his voice) can be a bit overdone, they were not atypical of the time. A few reactions to specific cuts.

"Celeste Aida" from Verdi's opera is smoothly sung; his rich voice serves to good effect. As already noted, the little "cries" are unfortunate, but hardly an issue. His higher notes flow smoothly from lower ones, in a seamless fashion. It would have been nice to hear him try for the piano at the end, but he did not choose to do so. Any way you slice it, a nice version of a glorious aria.

"La donna e mobile" is taken at a rather slow pace. It is smoothly sung but does not really catch the spirit of the wretched Duke. He shows wonderful breath control. This is more a workmanlike than scintillating version. On the other hand, "Che gelida manina" is wonderful. Smooth, elegant singing. A very well done high note. An iconic version.

The twin arias from "Tosca," "Recondita armonia" and "E lucevan le stelle" are very well executed. His rendering of the final "la vita" in the latter aria is, again, noteworthy.

And now for something completely different. . . . "Funiculi funicula" is spritely sung, in good spirits, and it is a lot of fun! Most enjoyable. "O Sole mio," likewise, is well rendered. As previously noted, some "off putting" cries, but the warm, full voice more than makes up for such mannerisms. He does not overpower this song with operatic technique. The end result is most satisfying.

"La danza" befuddled the great Caruso (in his version, his breathing fell apart at one point). But not Gigli. Well sung, good breath control. Bravo Gigli!

Back to opera. . . . "Nessun dorma" is well sung. The vocalization is smooth. Gigli's voice soars over orchestra and other voices. The final "Vincero" rings out.

While this CD is not without some questions, as noted above, it is worth 5 stars for its full portrayal of the work of Gigli. As such, it can be recommended for anyone who wants a comprehensive introduction to this singer.

Gigli Is A Wonderful Singer!.......2006-07-31

It's an honor for me to be "the first" to review this recording for Amazon. As "opera lovers" know, Gigli was "the greatest tenor in the world" for many years after the death of Caruso. If you haven't heard Gigli, a great treat is in store for you! He had "penache" and drama in the way he sang. Plus he had a beautiful tonal quality! I could go on and on but if you "pass this guy up" you'll be missing some beautiful and dramatic singing from a "world class" singing actor.

Besides listening to Gigli on Cd, you'd be doing yourself a favor to buy a movie in which Gigli appears and sings. The movie is called "Non Ti Scordar di Me". I'll try to find it on amazon or from "The Bel Canto Society" and give it a "review" also. It's an "old movie" but it has a VERY touching story, is well acted, and you get to see and hear Gigli which is a great treat since he has been gone for at least 50 years. He "comes alive" in this CD and in the movie. You will "thrill" to the sound of his voice. Enjoy! Email:boland7214@aol.

Average customer rating:

Light Opera Gems

Manufacturer: Opera D'oro
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Music of Sigmund Romberg
Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life: The Songs of Victor Herbert
San Francisco and Other Jeanette MacDonald Favorites
100 Best Opera Classics
Beverly Sills: Made in America

ASIN: B0000A1HNZ
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

Largo Al Factotum - Gino Bechi
Udite, Udite O Rustici - Ezio Pinza
Im Heimlichen Dammer - Maria Reining
Mag Der Himmel Euch Vergeben - Helge Roswaenge
Ach So Fromm - Richard Tauber
The Last Rose Of Summer - Amelita Galli-Curci
Non So Piu - Amelita Galli-Curci
You Are My Heart's Delight - Lauritz Melchior
Voices Of Spring - Ada Sari
Drinking Song & Golden Days - Robert Merrill
You And You - Robert Merrill
I'll Follow My Secret Heart - Lily Pons
The White Dove - Lawrence Tibbett
Deep In My Heart - Lauritz Melchior
Merry Widow Waltz - Helen Traubel
Serenade - Lauritz Melchior
Stout-Hearted Man - Helen Traubel
Russian Song - Lawrence Tibbett
Wanting You - Lawrence Tibbett
Oh What A Beautiful Morning - Helen Traubel
Una Voce Poco Fa - Luisa Tetrazzini

Tracks:

Wer Uns Getraut - Jussi Bjorling
The Blue Danube - Lily Pons
Ich, Hab' Kein Geld, Bin Vogelfrei - Jussi Bjorling
My Hero - Rosa Ponselle
Kiss Me Again - Rosa Ponselle
When You Walk In The Room - Robert Merrill
Song Of The Vagabonds - Robert Merrill
O Luce Di Quest'Anima - Toti Dal Monte
Dans Le Service D'Autriche - Hyppolite Belhomme
Tales From The Vienna Woods - Marcella Sembrich
Per Viver Vicino - John McCormack
Charmant Oiseau - Amelita Galli-Curci
Cancion De La Espada - Miguel Fleta
De Espana Vengo - Conchita Supervia
Aimons, Il Faut Aimer - Hyppolite Belhomme
Com'e Gentil - Chorus
Quel Guardo Il Cavaliere - Amelita Galli-Curci
Tornami A Dir Che M'Ami - Tito Schipa
Im Mohrenland Gefangen War - Peter Anders
Oh, Wie Will Ich Triumphieren - Wilhelm Hesch
Modern Travel, An Opera Parody On Donizetti, Gounod, Verdi, Bizet & Dvorak - Lauritz Melchior

Average customer rating:

Stupendous singing from Callas

Verdi: Nabucco

Manufacturer: Grammofono 2000
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000516T5
Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

Sinfonia
Act I, Scene One: Gli Arredi Festivi
Act I, Scene One: Sperate O Figli
Act I, Scene One: D'Egitto La Sui Lidi
Act I, Scene One: Come Notte Al Sol Fulgente
Act I, Scene One: Fenena, O Mia Diletta
Act I, Scene One: Io T'amava! Una Furia E Quest'amore
Act I, Scene One: Lo Vedeste?
Act I, Scene One: Viva Nabucco
Act I, Scene One: Che Tenti? Oh Trema, Insano
Act I, Scene One: Tremin Gl'insani Del Mio Furore
Act I, Scene One: O Vinti, Il Capo A Terra!
Act I, Scene One: Mio Furor, Non Piu Costretto
Act II, Scene One: Ben Io T'invenni, O Fatal Scritto
Act II, Scene One: Anch'io Dischiuso Un Giorno
Act II, Scene One: Chi S'avanza?
Act II, Scene Two: Vieni, O Levita!
Act II, Scene Two: Tu Sul Labbro Dei Veggenti

Tracks:

Act II, Scene Two: Che Si Vuol?
Act II, Scene Two: Il Maledetto Non Ha Fratelli
Act II, Scene Two: Deh, Fratelli, Perdonate!
Act II, Scene Two: S'appressan Gl'istanti
Act II, Scene Two: S'oda Or Me!
Act II, Scene Two: Chi Mi Toglie Il Regio Scettro?
Act III, Scene One: E L'Assiria Una Regina
Act III, Scene One: Eccelsa Donna
Act III, Scene One: Donna, Chi Sei?
Act III, Scene Two: Va Pensiero, Sull'ali Dorate
Act III, Scene Two: Oh, Chi Piange?
Act III, Scene Two: Del Futuro Nel Buio Discerno
Act IV, Scene One: Son Pur Queste Mie Membra
Act IV, Scene One: Dio Di Giuda
Act IV, Scene One: Porta Fatal
Act IV, Scene One: Cadran, Cadranno I Perfidi
Act IV, Scene Two: Marcia Funebre
Act IV, Scene Two: Va, La Palma Del Martirio
Act IV, Scene Two: Oh Dischiuso E Il Firmamento!
Act IV, Scene Two: Viva Nabucco!
Act IV, Scene Two: Ah, Torno Israello
Act IV, Scene Two: Oh, Chi Vegg'io
Act IV, Scene Two: Su Me...Morente, Esanime

Customer Reviews:

Stupendous singing from Callas.......2001-01-19

Though dim-sounding, this recording contains the only instance of Callas singing Abigaille. This is 1949, the radio sound very primitive, but if you can ignore that, you will be rewarded with the definitive and brilliant realization of this difficult role. Callas is the absolute mistress of this role, taking in stride the florid parts of the role as well as the dramatic outbursts. Her singing is stunning in its breadth, rythmic control and dynamic range. Her coloratura is powerful, the runs flung out with absolute mastery and total fearlessness. Her soft singing in the aria "Anch'io dischiuso un giorno," is beautiful, the fioriture effortlessly spun out. The cabaletta that follows is violently and dramatically realized without distorting the line. Her high notes (up to an E-flat) are beautiful and pure, and taken head-on. The other principals are not up to her exalted level, but you won't care. The conducting, however, is on a par with Callas's singing. BUY this if you love Callas or if you want to know how this role should be sung!

Average customer rating:

Legendary Voice
Gino Bechi
Manufacturer: Butterfly
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004SQQC
Release Date: 1998-10-09

Tracks:

INCANTESIMO
AL TELEFONO CON TE
LA STRADA DEL BOSCO
SOLI SOLI NELLA NOTTE
NINNA NANNA D' AMORE
SUONA BALALAIKA
MELANCONICA LUNA
RICORDATI DI ME
SIGNORINELLA
PAGLIACCI
RIGOLETTO
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA
IL TROVATORE
ANDREA CHENIER
UN BALLO IN MASCHERA
OTELLO

Verdi: Un Ballo in Maschera (Highlights)

Average customer rating:

Verdi: Un Ballo in Maschera (Highlights)

Manufacturer: Opera Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000007NXT
Release Date: 1998-06-23

Tracks:

Act One: La Rivedra Nell'Estasi-Il Cenno Mio Di La Essi Attendi - Beniamino Gigli/Elda Ribetti/Tancredi Pasero/Ugo Novelli
Act One: All Vita Che T'Arride - Gino Bechi
Act One: Il Primo Giudice-Volta La Terrea Fronte-Ogni Cura Si Doni Al Diletto - Elda Ribetti/Beniamino Gigli/Blando Giusti/Gino Bechi/Tancredi Pasero/Ugo Novelli
Act One: Re Dell'Abisso, Affrettati - Fedora Barbieri
Act One: Della Citta All'Occaso/Di'Tu Se Fedele/Chi Voi Siate, L'Audace Parola/E Scherzo Od E Follia - Fedora Barbieri/Maria Caniglia/Beniamino Gigli/Coro Del Teatro Dell'Opr Di Roma/Giuseppe Conca...
Act Two: Ecco L'Orrido Campo/Ma Dall'Arido Stelo Divulsa - Maria Caniglia
Act Two: Ve', Se Di Notte Qui Colla Sposa/Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! - Tancredi Pasero/Ugo Novelli/Coro Del Teatro Dell'Opr Di Roma/Giuseppe Conca/Maria Caniglia...
Act Three: Morro, Ma Prima In Grazia - Maria Caniglia
Act Three: Eri Tu Che Macchiavi Quell'Anima/O Dolcezze Perdute - Gino Bechi
Act Three: Il Messaggio Entri/Alle Danze/Ah! Di Che Fulgor, Che Musiche - Gino Bechi/Elda Ribetti/Maria Caniglia/Tancredi Pasero/Ugo Novelli
Act Three: Forse La Soglia Attinse/Ma Se M'E Forza Perderti - Beniamino Gigli
Act Three: Saper Vorreste - Elda Ribetti
Act Three: Ah! Perche ui Fuggite/T'Amo, Si T'Amor/E Tu Ricevi Il Mio! - Maria Caniglia/Beniamino Gigli/Elda Ribetti
Act Three: Ella E Pura - Beniamino Gigli/Gino Bechi/Maria Caniglia/Elda Ribetti/Coro Del Teatro Dell'Opr Di Roma...

Average customer rating:

Beniamino Gigli (Heroes)

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000AGKK
Release Date: 1998-09-22

Tracks:

Rigoletto
L'elisir d'amore
La Boheme
Tosca
Tosca - E Lucevan Le Stelle
Madama Butterfly
Manon Lescaut
Pagliacci
Cavalleria Rusticana
Cavalleria Rusticana - Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso
Isabeau
Andrea Chenier - Un Di All'azzurro Spazio
Andrea Chenier - Si Fu Soldato
Andrea Chenier - Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio
Un Ballo In Maschera - Di'Tu Se Fedele
Un Ballo In Maschera - Forse La Soglia Attinse
Le Roi D'Ys
Manon
Werther
L'Elisir D'Amore
Turandot

Average customer rating:

Antique Aida.
A true warhorse from 1947 - and well worth a listen

Verdi: Aida

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005NCY6
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Tracks:

Prld - Orch Of The Opr House, Rome/Tullio Serafin
Act I, Scene 1: Si: Corre Voce Che L'Etiope Ardisca - Tancredi Pasero/Beniamino Gigli
Act I, Scene 1: Se Quel Guerrir Io Fossi! - Beniamino Gigli
Act I, Scene 1: Quale Insolita Gioia - Ebe Stignani/Beniamino Gigli/Maria Caniglia
Act I, Scene 1: Alta Cagion V'aduna - Italo Tajo/Adelio Zagonero/Beniamino Gigli/Tancredi Pasero
Act I, Scene 1: Ritorna Vincitor! - Maria Caniglia
Act I, Scene 2: Possente, Possente Ftha - Maria Huder/Beniamino Gigli
Act I, Scene 2: Mortal, Diletto Ai Numi - Tancredi Pasero/Beniamino Gigli/Maria Huder
Act II, Scene 1: Chi Mai Fra Gl'inni E I Plausi - Ebe Stignani
Act II, Scene 1: Fu La Sorte Dell'armi A' Tuoi Funesta - Ebe Stignani/Maria Caniglia
Act II, Scene 1: Su! Del Nilo Al Sacro Lido - Ebe Stignani/Maria Caniglia/Chor Of The Opr House, Rome
Act II, Scene 2: Gloria All'Egitto, Ad Iside - Tancredi Pasero
Act II, Scene 2: Marcia - Tancredi Pasero
Act II, Scene 2: Vieni, O Guerriero Vindice - Tancredi Pasero
Act II, Scene 2: Salvator Della Patria, Io Ti Saluto - Italo Tajo/Beniamino Gigli/Tancredi Pasero
Act II, Scene 2: Che Veggo!...Egli?... Mio Padre! - Maria Caniglia/Ebe Stignani/Gino Bechi/Italo Tajo
Act II, Scene 2: Quest'assisa Ch'io Vesto Vi Dica - Gino Bechi
Act II, Scene 2: Ma Tu, Re, Tu Signore Possente - Gino Bechi/Maria Caniglia/Tancredi Pasero/Italo Tajo
Act II, Scene 2: O Re: Pei Sacri Numi - Beniamino Gigli/Ebe Stignani/Tancredi Pasero/Italo Tajo
Act II, Scene 2: Gloria All'Egitto, Ad Iside - Italo Tajo/Tancredi Pasero/Maria Canigli/Ebe Stignani/Gino Bechi/Beniamino Gigli

Tracks:

Act III: O Tu Che Sei D'Osiride - Maria Huder/Tancredi Pasero/Ebe Stignani
Act III: Qui Radames Verra...Che Vorra Dirmi? - Maria Caniglia
Act III: Ciel! Mio Padre! - Maria Caniglia/Gino Bechi
Act III: Pur Ti Riveggo, Mia Dolce Aida... - Beniamino Gigli/Maria Caniglia
Act III: Fuggiam Gli Ardori Inospiti - Maria Caniglia/Beniamino Gigli/Gino Bechi
Act III: Tu... Amonasro!...Tu!...Il Re? - Beniamino Gigli/Maria Caniglia/Gino Bechi/Ebe Stignani/Tancredi Pasero
Act IV, Scene 1: L'abborrita Rivale A Me Sfuggia... - Ebe Stignani
Act IV, Scene 1: Gia I Sacerdoti Adunansi - Ebe Stignani/Beniamino Gigli
Act IV, Scene 1: Ohime!...Morir Mi Sento! Oh! Chi Io Salva? - Ebe Stignani/Tancredi Pasero
Act IV, Scene 1: Radames! Radames! Radames! - Tancredi Pasero/Ebe Stignani
Act IV, Scene 2: La Fatal Pietra Sovra Me Si Chiuse - Beniamino Gigli/Maria Caniglia
Act IV, Scene 2: Presago Il Core Della Tua Condanna - Maria Caniglia/Beniamino Gigli/Maria Huder
Act IV, Scene 2: O Terra, Addio; Addio, Valle Di Pianti - Maria Caniglia/Beniamino Gigli/Maria Huder/Ebe Stignani

Customer Reviews:

Antique Aida........2005-01-01

The best parts of this performance are Tullio Serafin's conducting and Pasero's performance as Ramfis. Although there are some bumpy passages. The overall cast is good, but there are some intination issues especially from Amneris that must be addressed. There is one part where she is not even in the right key. That being said, listen to the outstanding performance of Celeste Aida from Gigli. Here is a free voice lesson. Listen to when he stays open and when he covers. It is a model for teaching a young male singer the top. Tancredi Pasero was an outstanding bass. He follows in the footsteps of Ezio Pinza with a darker sound. Listen to the beauty of tone and the spectacular high F. He is the strongest in the cast I think. Gino Bechi is also good as Aida's father. His high range is the highlight of the performance. In terms of the interpretation and musicality he does better on the Andrea Chenier from five years earlier. Maria Caniglia is a soprano I have been very impressed with. She does the samething here. She sings musically and with a lot of passion. This performance is worth having. However it is not the best Aida I have ever heard.

A true warhorse from 1947 - and well worth a listen.......2004-01-10

Naxos is to be commended for bringing these older recordings back into the marketplace at low price, with improved sound and unprecedented quality control.

This "Aida" was, alas, recorded a few years too late. The 57 year-old Gigli was no longer at his blazing peak and the role of Radames was never one of his best. Nevertheless, an old lion remains a lion and he shows insights in his performance that makes one despair for many of the cookie-cutter tenors who followed after him.

Caniglia was a star, a lioness in her own right. One does not listen to Caniglia for beauty of tone (although she has plenty of that in the middle and lower parts of her voice), but for absolute dramatic commitment. Her Ritorna Vincitor can only be described as going straight for the operatic jugular. Even her occasional squawks and noble misses are dramatically appropriate squawks and noble misses!

Gino Bechi was a fine, snarling Amonasro worthy of comparison with Tito Gobbi.

Ebe Stignani was in excellent voice and presented her ususal masterclass in performing Amneris.

Tullio Serafin was one of the grand old men of Italian opera. He had been there at the beginning and had done everything. His conducting is the very definition the best of the older style and authenticity.

The sound of this recording is pretty good 1947 mono, and a lot better than I recollect it being on 78 and LP. The voices are clear and placed well-forward. Naturally, the orchestral sound is compressed and far from current standards of lushness.