A glittering account of the most perfect of all operettas, with an incredibly starry cast, all in peak condition. Karl Böhm¿s conducting is relaxed but sparkling.

The greatest glory of the performance . . . remains the ladies -- above all Renate Holm's effervescent Adele -- just as it was all those years ago . . . it is greatly to be enjoyed.

Yet among the men, the most impressive singing and acting comes from the Dr. Falke, baritone Hein Holecek . . . The real stars of this show, as always, are the women. Janowitz is a bright voiced and magisterial Rosalinde . . . Renate Holm's winning and commandingly confident Adele seems to take control of the proceedings . . . What immediately impresses about both Holm and Janowitz is that . . . they are impressive actresses who inhabit their characters fully and naturally . . . It is also a pleasure to see director Otto Schenk in action on stage as well. His thoroughly "Wienerisch" Frosch, played "dry" and subtly, and not relying solely on slapstick devices, presents an unusual juxtaposition of melancholy and hilarity.