All of the singers are past their prime here. Dame Joan must have lost at least half her formidable voice. And her coloratura has slowed down to a slow stroll. You have to hear her when she was the greatest singer the world had ever seen.
Pavarotti and Horne are slightly better. But they are also disappointing to my discriminating ears. But if you never heard them when they were supreme, you may still be extremely impressed. They are that good that even when they're past their prime, they still have valid voices.
If you never heard Dame Joan when she ruled the operatic world, don't buy this, she will be discredited.
However, even if Dame Joan is way past her prime here, if you know how she sounded when she was the Queen of opera, it's still a must buy. Because even though her voice is half gone, she's still Prima Donna Assoluta. But only buy this if you know how she's supposed to sound.

Hey, publishers, this is too much excellent performance not to be available on video. Any genuine opera lover will buy the video tape/DVD of this live recording.

I like this recording very much, but I must say that the tape, which I bought in 1981, had a "warmer" sound to it. I also remeber watching the live performanc on television, and even the best recording can not capture the excitment of that evening. I disagree with the reviewer who said that all three were past their prime. I thought they were all in good if not excellent voice. I agree with the reviewer who said Sutherland is not in top form, but who cares.Even at less than her best she is better than anyone else! I would not miss having this recoring in my collection!

This is a wonderful recording of arias with an excellent set of performers. The drama and emotion felt in this CD is extremely moving. Horne does a fantastic job of playing her alto roles, and Pavarotti is in his usual good singing voice. My problem here lies with Dame Joan. As I am an almost diehard fan of her work, I found it dissapointing listening to her in this recording. It is obvious that she was past her prime at this point and we no longer hear her infamous coloratura singing. The acrobatics are no longer there, and the high notes are forced and not that high at all. However, this recording is very good, if only for its star power and fantastic theatrics.

All three singers past their amazing primes in this LIVE recording, but I still must have it because of it's historical status. We have three of the greatest singers of this or any other century on the stage at the same time! Just thrilling in the ensembles. Buy this CD!!!