content: This is a fine recording if you admire the voices of the three principles: Hampson, Hadley and Mentzer, which I do. You will find them at their best and most musical. However, if you do not care for them then I wouldn't recommend buying this recording. Besides the absurd three disc price, the ensemble and conducting is not very memorable. For a fine digital recording, I'd reccomend the Larmore, Hagagard set or, for a budget price, the Ganassi, Vargas recording is superb. As far as a classic recording, the Callas is awesome.