On the other hand, it IS a thrilling performance with the young Tebaldi and Bergonzi in radiant voice.
A few complaints - there is no English translation (on the other hand there is a book - not a booklet but a BOOK - of the Italian librettos). Although most of the operas with alternate versions have been included, the first version of Simon Boccanegra is not, nor is Les Vespres Siciliennes (the original French version of Vespri - however, in this case, I believe the musical differences are minor). The version of Giovanna D'Arco included is from a 1951 radio broadcast that has always been sonically problematic - it has been cleaned up sonically here, but it is still is FAR below the sound in the rest of the set. On the other hand, it IS a thrilling performance with the young Tebaldi and Bergonzi in radiant voice. The only good modern recording of Giovanna is on EMI and I guess they refused to license it. Some of the versions choosen would not have been my first choice, but none is without merit.