This was recorded in 1972, and I recall being disappointed when it was released the following year. Time has done little to dull my disenchantment: Price, though still rich of middle and upper voice and intelligent of interpretation without actually plumbing any depths, nevertheless gives us a sketch of Tosca filled with stock operatic emotings and some nasty-sounding chest tones that are more longshoreman than diva. Domingo launches into Cavaradossi's music with verve and passion (it was his first recording of the role) and he is in good, ringing voice, but you get the feeling you've heard it all before--there is no individual stamp. Milnes was a better Scarpia elsewhere in his career; here he snarls and barks and we can hear his mustache twirling. Mehta's leadership is terrific: taut, tense, lovely in the intimate moments, with a real sense of build-up in the second act, and his orchestra and choruses are excellent. In brief, stick with Callas (early) or Callas (late).

--Robert Levine