Aronica is a handsome Dick Johnson in every sense of the word; and the American Emily Magee is a Wagnerian-voiced Minnie who somehow bypasses the god-fearing naivety suggested in the libretto. But you do cheer when, racing against time, she rescues Johnson from the rope.

[Magee] is a little rough-and-ready in Act 1 – which suits the character – and can depart from the note on occasion, her tone a touch acidic. But it’s a gutsy performance and she’s dramatically engaging…Sgura has an inky baritone and can certainly snarl, but his sheriff is elegantly sung. Roberto Aronica is a stolid but likeable Dick Johnson, a little cloudy mid-range but the voice opens up nicely at the top. ..this is an enjoyable recording and could win Puccini’s opera new convert.

Acting values are high…Vocal performances are strong, too. Sgura makes a grandiose Rance…Best of all is Emily Magee’s Minnie, something of a paragon, up to each and every one of her role’s vocal demands and exuding truth and sincerity in her physical realization of Puccini’s idealized, redemptive heroine…The choral and orchestra forces of the San Carlo are on exceptional form under their Slovak music director Juraj Valčuha, who proves a commanding exponent of the score.

Emily Magee stars as Minnie, and excellent she is, too. Her soprano has warmth and bloom, plus the tensile strength to ride the orchestral peaks. She inspires confidence at all times. The large supporting cast is outstanding, each character finely delineated, and conductor Juraj Valčuha ensures that every singers moment in the spotlight is skilfully supported.