Lisa della Casa was the reigning Arabella of the post war era. Peaches and cream has been the often quoted description of her voice, and indeed no other is necessary - it is an exquisite instrument. Della Casa takes Arabella far beyond peaches and cream though, with a touch of mettle in a multi-faceted and definitive performance. She is well matched throughout, with Hilde Gueden a credible Zdenka, and George London a charismatic Mandryka. The rest of the sizeable cast were all Vienna stalwarts of the day, and this opera is in their blood. South African diva Mimi Coertse makes an appearance as a raucous Fiakermilli, one of the rare commercial recordings available of her. Solti drives the orchestra too much in places, but manages to find the requisite "schwung" where it's needed. A classic set, unsurpassed, and in surprisingly good sound.