James Levine (1943–2021)

Not sure if it's my familiarity with the material or that Tatiana Troyanos can enunciate the hell out of her part. Her tone is just a bit too mellow for a very young man, but ee-by-gum you can understand everything she says. Fischer-Dieskaw as the Conte comes off dark throughout. Surely there's room for some lightness. Delightful recording that includes some arias often left out of staged productions.

I have loved this musical for many years, having seen it in local theater. Recently saw the film version and I thought, what the heck, even though I generally don't like Bernadette Peters, I could probably stand her for two hours. This performance was stunning! Even with the limitations of stage, it far and away bests the recent film. The film deletes a few scenes that I feel are essential. Peters was wonderful too. Some of the songs make me cry every time I hear them. Thank you Sondheim!