"This Rigoletto is conducted with firmness and sensitivity by Giuseppe Sinopoli, whose flair for Verdi is now well-established. He knows how to build tension, especially in the ominous pacing of the orchestral introduction to the first encounter between Rigoletto and Sparafucile in Act 1. And he can underline the drama with a vivid touch … bringing out much of the wrenching pathos when Rigoletto realizes his daughter has been abducted…. Gruberová makes a fetching Gilda of the songbird variety, her voice fluid and pure, her handling of coloratura assured … [with] much enchanting vocalism. The soprano captures something of the character's personality change following her ravishment by the Duke and there is a considerable poignancy in her final scenes."—Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel