When this recording was first released in 1954, The Gramophone critic Philip Hope-Wallace wrote, “What I think instantly strikes you is that in the rather unconventional opening passage of Santuzza’s distress you seem to be hearing the music for the first time. Callas is an exceptional artist in this creative artistry…”. Among the many vocal highlights are the affecting Voi lo sapete sung without recourse to self-indulgent histrionics, and Callas’ thrilling transformation of the Easter Hymn. Di Stefano and Panerai lend superb support, while Serafin, one of the greatest of Italian opera conductors, is in inspirational form.