“Tebaldi gives one of her most warm-hearted and understanding performances on record.” (Penguin Guide) “a more powerful introduction to La Fanciulla than any stage performance could do. And if we had someone who really looked like Minnie, then would she be able to sing the part as eloquently as Tebaldi? I found that this performance “caught” me completely – unusually detailed and specific scene-descriptions in the score, plus a brilliantly managed stereo recording, plus, of course–and this is the most important-music of extraordinary imaginative power and eloquence. The listener feels that he/she is really in the Polka Bar, or in Minnie’s bed-sitter, or on the edge of the Californian forest. This self-identification is not to be recommended as an approach to all operas, but it is the response Puccini aimed to secure; and it is perfectly evoked in this recording.” (Gramophone)
