(1978). 155m. Domingo, Kabaivanska, Cossotto, Cappuccilli, Van Dam; Karajan. Color. Plácido Domingo sings with almost unfailing freshness and confidence. Unlike many Manricos, he engages in a genuine partnership with his mezzo-soprano in their big duet scenes. In the second-act finale he joins Kabaivanska to exhilarating effect for the reprise of "Sei tu dal ciel." He makes a good stab at the trills of "Ah! sì, ben mio" and is virtually flawless in the rest of the aria, with mellow tone and finely sustained legato. (He is lucky to be singing it to Raina Kabaivanska who gazes lovingly at him during every moment, and during the lengthy applause as well.) Were it not for severe difficulties with "Di quella pira" and sharpness in his act 4 confrontation with Leonora, this Manrico could be considered a peak of Domingo"s career. The characterization is conventional, but the tenor"s appealing, handsome presence carries the day.