Over the last couple of years there have been two new recordings of Così fan tutte, both in many ways distinguished, but neither of them quite challenging the famous Böhm recording on HMV Angel, which for its combination of wisdom and humour, theatrical sense and fine singing, has widely been acknowledged a gramophone classic. Colin Davis's recording does embody such a challenge, because it has what matters the most: a very strong and very lively feeling for the interplay of music and drama, and for the way in which music can enrich and illuminate the opera's simple story. It also clearly bears, I think, the imprint of a firm and truthful view of the shape and the nature of the work....

The women compare well with any others on record, perhaps above all Ileana Cotrubas, whose alive and intensely musical singing of Despina's role is an uncommon treat.... Janet Baker also contributes a most distinguished performance of a role she has taken on the stage and which she particularly relishes.... Montserrat Caballé [offers] a superlative performance ....

-- Stanley Sadie, Gramophone [2/1975, reviewing the LP release]