Kubelik is the man to bring Pfitzner to life, searching out the inner drama but tightly controlling the Council Scene in Act Two. Gedda, F-D, and the very large cast are inside their roles and if one is ever to come to terms with this long, sprawling work it is through this recording.

Others have tried, but Bernac the creator remains unique with his fragile voice but extraordinary diction. Souzay is able to find his own interpretations and the collaboration with Baldwin remains unsurpassed.

For once, French EMI didn't miss the boat. The first French cast took their production into the studios and for 35 years reigned supreme; they are still ahead of the competition, but with the above cast what else can you expect.

Denise Duval at her high point in Poulenc's setting of Appollinaire's farce and Cocteau's melodrama. Her deadpan delivery works to advantage in both instances, and the support of Cluytens and Prêtre is immeasurable.

Three indispensable recordings, Toscanini and Beecham poles apart though both claimed the composer's approval. Beecham's cast is fruitier than Toscanini's and they possess admirable breath control. Schippers offers a synthesis with a youthful cast who revel in the high jinks but are sufficiently lyric to provide us with the necessary goose bumps at the right moments.