No more than a footnote need be added to what I wrote last February, when simultaneously with the issue of the complete Maazel/Decca set on CD I reviewed the CD of excerpts from this vivid performance using Houston Grand Opera forces (RD84680). It is timely when the first ever British production has won such praise at Glyndebourne, that there should be a complete alternative. As I explained, John DeMain's reading is more clearly grounded in theatrical experience, and brings extra high spirits to some of the choruses, as well as a better-characterized Sportin' Life. My own feeling remains that the gains from Maazel in the extra depths of expressiveness and heights of tension, making it into a genuine opera, not just an upgraded musical, sway the balance in his favour. Compact Disc underlines the extra range, weight and sharpness of focus of the Decca recording over the RCA, which yet remains more than acceptable, no bar to enjoying a distinctive and colourful performance of a masterly and moving opera.'