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With the Singverein der Gesell- schaft der Musikfreunde in Wien (Chorus Master: Reinhold Schmid) and Vienna Philharmonic Orches- tra conducted by Heinrich Hollreiser. H.M.V. al ALP 1 812-3 : 0ASD394-5 (two 12 in., 60s. plus 19s. 6d. P.T.).

With the Chorus and Orchestra of Radiotelevisione Italiana conducted by Fernando Previtali. Cetra Q LPC50153 (12 in., 30s. plus 9s. 9d. P.T.).

This is excellent recording, either mono or stereo, catching perfectly the fullness and bloom of Miss Farrell's splendidly based and launched soprano. I liked the creamy tone and solidly knit legato in "Und ob die Wolke" ("and if clouds hide the sun"), Agathe's second and more dreamy aria; of...

Fernandi, best known here as Callas's partner in the Columbia Turandot, is hardly a subtle singer, but neither does he indulge in the worst kinds of tenor crudities. The least successful aria here is "M'appari", where Fernandi's idea of scaling down his voice is to sing with pinched tone and a...

When so very little remains of Stignani in the catalogue—the complete Norma with Callas the only major item—this collection is particularly welcome. I have no idea how long ago these recordings were made, but whenever it was Stignani was in superb form with, strangely, the occasional false...

One is irresistibly reminded of some of the sweet-toned recordings that Gigli made in his old age—a honeyed voice spun out exquisitely with the most consummate art, if not always with regard for stylistic niceties. Though the recording is muddy, there are few more attractive reminders of...