Plácido Domingo set new standards in the role of Francesco with this London production. The production by Thaddeus Strassberger combines classical costumes, which are inspired by the Renaissance period, with an expressionistic stage design that reflects the inner conflict of the protagonists. The result was highly praised by international opera critics and also delighted the audience. With Antonio Pappano, perhaps the best conductor for Italian opera repertoire at present is standing in the orchestra pit. Even if one should not overstress the term "reference recording": This is one!