A really classic recording of that most classic of works! Fricsay is at his finest and Fischer-Dieskau is spot-on, as usual. The recitative is overwhelming, and the choir is terrific. Forrester, Haefliger, and Seefried also perform admirably. And, of course, the orchestra was in one of its better periods at the time. The recording might take a bit getting used to in some respects, but it is very worth the effort.