Mitch Friedfeld wrote:

>After enjoying yet again the overture to La Forza, I've decided to buy
>a CD of the opera itself, which I've never heard.  Recommendations?

Further to my last post, I do strongly recommend the 1958 DVD from
Hardy Classics.  It has Corelli, Bastianini (one of the really great
Verdi baritones) and Tebaldi.  There is also a fine Padre Guardiano in
Boris Christoff.  I am not a Tebaldista but sometimes the whole can make
an individual matter less.  She does not ruin it for me at all and most
of the cast is first rate and probably the best all 'round cast one can
find on a recording, audio or video.  The production is traditional and
very enjoyable.  It has English and French subtitles.  Picture is black
and white.

Yoel