Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Oliviero de Fabritiis, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma Chorus & Orchestra :: Verdi: Aida

So you wanted to know who owns the role of Aida!

Paul E. Logan | Washington, D. C., District of Columbia USA | 06/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This "live" recording of Verdi's masterpiece is one of several on which one can hear the glorious voice of Leontyne Price in the title role of Aida. It obvious that this production -- recorded "live" in Rome in 1966 -- was mounted to showcase Ms. Price, for the other artists approach but do not really arrive at the level of the diva's artistry. This recording is just another piece of evidence that Ms. Price owned and owns still the role of Aida: effortless arching, impeccable phrasing, sheer beauty of tone, dramatic intensity, and singular understanding of Verdi's intent. And, ladies and gentlemen, the audience in Rome agreed and rewarded her with thunderous applause. So, if you want to hear the 20th century's greatest Aida "live," purchase this set, and do so now! These Myto releases sell out quickly."

When in Rome, do as the Romans do -- Ms. Price made a great

Impostazione | New York City Area | 05/07/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Romans have the strongest linguistic accent in all of Italy. First class Italian is said to have Tuscan nasality and Roman accent - sort of a combination of Caniglia and Stracciari. Ms. Price did not accomplish that kind of authenticity (very few Italians achieve it), but she certainly tried for her Italian is better than ever on this set! Her main problem seems to be a choice related to her vocal technique. For though she is "in the old school [ng] position, she simply will not raise her faucal pillars, and next to an average but fantastically intelligible Italian tenor, even her best diction is not at the mark.



Her success here is superb in Ritorna vincitor, but in spite of a beautifully sung 'O patria mia', the reaction from the audience is enthusiastic but questionable. What were they really thinking? She had the best breath support in the world at that time, no singer matched her, but her top, so prized in America falls on less appreciative ears in the old world. It sounds placed, airy, thin, even beautiful but not thrilling. Her piani are equally light, lacking fullness and depth. Ms. Price's great virtues are her support, which makes her legato fabulous, the timbre and power of her upper middle and passaggio, her humanity, and willpower - finally her flair for the old school opera style.



The Amneris has some beautiful notes in her voice, but she seems unfinished, and the conducting is vibrant and alive.



Most American singers have the international style of singing, but Price was lucky to come in the time when she did -- the "do your own thing" era when her uniqueness was very much desired.



This is a set in superb sound, and a wonderful document of opera in the days when opera still thrilled."