...along with La Stupenda and possibly surpassing her, the greatest interpretation of this role we have yet to encounter. Yes, the Berlin performance is legendary and Callas is in stupendous voice, but there is something about her first studio recording that draws me back, time & time again!

...as much as I admire the 1955 La Scala with Bernstein, and especially the 1957 recording, Callas' singing on this mythic evening is possibly her finest and most delicate and meltingly beautiful

...I was raised with the Price recording.....when I heard Callas sing the role, there was no turning back. When it comes to Puccini, the field is so wide open with great, fine interpretations. Listen to Callas in this, my favorite Puccini opera. The greatness and musicianship she brings to bel canto is to be found also in the verismo.

.....simply the finest Leonora of our time...one must be schooled in bel canto technique to sing this part, if not all of Verdi....Brava to singers with larger, more sumptuous, fuller voices?....they are a mess when it comes to attention to details, trills, precise intonation...not to mention the coloratura which is required for this role....Callas reigns supreme in this part.

....phenomenal Rossini singing from Callas & Gobbi, to say nothing of the overall interpretation!