Obviously the best is Klára Kolonits, who plays Elizabeth Szilágyi. This original version’s vocal parts are significantly expanded, and she performs them amazing virtuosity and, above all, amazing dramatic expression. The most exciting vocal expansion is the prayer wedged between the two cursing-begging stages of the closing sequence (it’s understandable why it was pulled out in the ’50s…). Kolonits’ performance of the maternal fear brings tears to our eyes. We feel that she could sing anything in the dramatic coloratura … ➤