This is the most satisfying performance of Gounods favorite opera yet to appear in the LP/CD era. Davis has generated just the sense of a live and lively performance seldom found on the rival recordings. He obviously cherishes the work, lavishes immense care on Gounods felicitous scoring and persuades his Bavarian forces to lift the rhythms in a really Beechamesque manner. It also has one of Philips most natural, forward and well-balanced recordings with voices in perfect alignment with the orchestra. - Gramophone