Textually purer than Leppard, Jacobs misses none of the theatricality of Cavalli's Shakespearean mélange. The fact that this recording originated in a stage production gives it a clear advantage overthe competition. Bayo is every bit the equal of Cotrubas when it comes to charm, and the virtuosity of Lippi in his Diana impersonation is astounding. Mantovani is disadvantaged by the comparison with Baker, but we have now gotten beyond the necessity of Leppard's realizations.