Search - Giuseppe Verdi, James Levine, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus :: Verdi: Aida [Highlights]

Aida's grand comeback!

07/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After a number of Aida recordings of the 70s and 80s that lacked a true spinto soprano Aida, Millo brings us back to the essence of the role. She does not always sound firm and stable but on the whole she is one of the finest Aidas I've heard. The voice has some qualities that remind me of Ricciarelli and Milanov, yet Millo is stronger than the former and less secure than the latter. Moreover, Millo understands the character and makes an interesting Aida. I expected an uninvolved and somewhat tired Domingo considering that this is his fourth studio recording of the role but he surprised me! He does something special with the ending of his big aria and generally sounds more relaxed than ever. I guess I belong to the ones who prefer the older Domingo. The rest of the cast is impressive, led by the famous Amneris of Zajik. Morris and Ramey are equally great. What I like most about this AIDA is the feeling of a live performance that it gives me. All artists do their best, and work as a team. They obviously benefited from their common stage experiences. Levine is grand and also cares about his soloists.Even if you own all the other famous Aida recordings, this one is certainly worth investigating. These highlights are a good way to avoid the pricy 3cd complete recording."

Kudos from a dilettente

David Bonesteel | Fresno, CA United States | 06/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm certainly not knowledgeable enough about opera to give an informed, useful opinion, so I'll keep this short. These highlights from Aida provide a powerful, dramatic showcase for some excellent voices. This recording helps a listener who does not usually pay attention to opera understand what its fans find so compelling about it. I recommend it to fellow newcomers."