Verdi: Aida Highlights

On this CD:

1. Aida, opera Act 1: Prelude
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf

2. Aida, opera Act 1: Se quel guerrier
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Placido Domingo
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf

3. Aida, opera Act 1: Celeste AIda
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Placido Domingo
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf

4. Aida, opera Act 1: Ritorna vincitor!
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Leontyne Price
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf

5. Aida, opera Act 2: Triumphal Scene
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf, John Alldis

6. Aida, opera Act 2: ballet Music
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf, John Alldis

7. Aida, opera Act 3: O patria mia
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Leontyne Price
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf

8. Aida, opera Act 3: Rivedrai le foreste
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Leontyne Price, Placido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf

9. Aida, opera Act 3: Pur ti riveggo
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Leontyne Price, Placido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf

10. Aida, opera Act 3: Là tra foreste vergine
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Leontyne Price, Placido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf

11. Aida, opera Act 4: Ah! tu dêi vivere
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Grace Bumbry
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf

12. Aida, opera Act 4: Tomb Scene
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Leontyne Price, Grace Bumbry, Placido Domingo
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf, John Alldis

Tracks:

Prld
Act I: Se Quel Querrier Io Fossi
Act I: Celeste Aida
Act I: Or, Di Vulcano Al Tempio
Act I: Ritorna Vincitor
Act II: Gloria All'Egitto
Act II: Triumphal March & Ballet
Act II: O Re, Pei Sacri Numi
Act III: O Tu Che Sei D'Osiride
Act III: Qui, Radames Verra... O Patria Mia
Act III: Ciel! Mio Padre!... Rivedrai Le Foreste Imbalsamate
Act III: Pur Ti Riveggo, Mia Dolce Aida
Act III: Fuggiam Gli Ardoti Inospiti
Act III: Ma Dimmi; Per Quel Via
Act IV: Vorrei Salvarlo... Gia Sacerdoti Adunansi
Act IV: Qual Gemito!
Act IV: Morir, Si Pura E Bella
Act IV: O Terra, Addio

Customer Reviews:

A glorious Aida.......2004-06-10

I must agree with everything said here. I'm the lucky owner of the full set, on a previously EMI transfer on cd. And so far is the most rewarding Aida I have heard (and I heard Karajan's, Muti's and one of Callas' with R Tucker). Everything from conducting which is rock-solid and beautifully blended to the choir and trumpets in the march is what this opera should be about.

First and foremost is the amazing Corelli who does one of his landmark characters here. He is heroic and gentle in the same amount and could pull you up from the chair or can bring tears from your eyes in the final duet. And you must be really malintended to say that his diminuendo (amazing to almost unbelievable) is a fake. And the way it serves the moment is the mark of an outstanding artist.

And yet you can't say that this set should be called Radames. Nilsson is powerfull. Great voice sometimes a little to great for my taste but on the other hand I can't see many sopranos standing next to Corelli in the kind of shape he shows here. A very real and believable Aida. The duos with Corelli are so full of emotion, intensity and glorious voice you couldn't wish for more. Very good indeed.

Sereni is the big surprise. Even if he doesn't have the greatest of beritone voices he sounds passionate and defines his character in great and very beautiful detail. A real accomplishment.

And don't make any mistakes. Grace Bumbry comes up with an Amneris that is everything you expect her to be. You can feel her pain her deep conflict with Aida, her love for Radames all in beautiful singing.

The high priest and the choir do a very fine job completing a great Aida. It doesn't have any weak moments. It is full instead of many great ones. It is impossible to go wrong with this version of this opera.

A final mention for Mehta and his Roma opera orchestra. They sound gorgiously. I didn't feel sorry at any point missing the details of Karajan or Muti. They play with passion and strength giving the singers a prolific and inspiring sound environment. Their orchestral parts come very well as equals of great moments the singers bring.

This is an Aida that proudly stands among the Aidas that make the rules in the recording history. One of the very heavy measures for the others recordings.

Nillson... Corelli... How can you beat them?.......2001-10-27

This is a passionate and powerful recording of one of Verdi's finest operas. For me, Nilsson and Corelli define my ideals of the voices needed for these roles. Nilsson's voice is stunning, with frightening fortissimos and ravishing pianissimos. Bumbry does a fine job as Amneris, while Sereni is adequate for my tastes. Franco Corelli seemed to be in fine voice during these recording sessions. His is a heroic Radames, rather than a poetic one, as Vickers was in the Solti album, and his voice shines with brilliance. As for the controversial diminuendo in Celeste Aida: unless Corelli himself tells me it's faked, I refuse to believe it. Why? I have my reasons. One critic said his voice sounded different on that last high B-flat. I wouldn't wonder: Franco took that note in head voice. For those who equate head voice with falsetto, think again; head voice can have plenty of ring to it, and can sound thoroughly manly, depending on the singer and the use he makes of it. He does the same with Nilsson in the final duet. Any other examples? His Italian language version of Jose's Flower Song from Carmen has the same effect in the high A leading to the climax. Unless I miss my guess, that was recorded in front of a live audience. (That should be on An Evening with Franco Corelli, available through Amazon.com, just in case you want to listen to it.) Another critic said it had to be faked because he heard a reverberation of Corelli's voice even though he ended the note very softly. Wake up, you nut! That hall was obviously a live environment, acoustically speaking. Even quite a soft sound can reverberate. I know: I've done it myself. (Not Corelli's fabulous diminuendo, but making a reverberation appear, even on a softly sung note.) Did the engineers fade that note? I don't think so. I've heard that done for other singers, and I've tried to do so myself. It just does not sound the same. Not even close. And I have the original recording on vinyl. I doubt if they could have faked it so flawlessly back then.
Anyway, no critic I know of in his or her right mind disputes the power and brilliance and passion of Franco Corelli's voice. They might hate him, but they can't say he's a wimp! This voice could caress the ears, then peel the paint off the walls. For my tastes, Franco Corelli has only one competitor as Radames, and that's Jon Vickers. Bjorling? Beautiful sounds, but he's pushed too far by the demands of the role. Bergonzi? The voice simply does not `open up' enough.(Not enough `sqillo' or `ring' for this role.) Domingo? To me, his technique lacks the freedom needed to tackle this role the way I like it. I must admit I've heard only his first two tries, and I do like the Domingo of the later years better than the early years. I don't even want to think about Pavarotti's version. Pavarotti is absolutely one of my favorite singers of all time, but he is not a Radames to these ears. Del Monaco? Not for me, in the recording I heard.
How about the conducting? Mehta leads a powerful performance, second only to Solti's in all the versions I've heard, in my opinion. This is a grand Aida, and this highlights set has a lot of music. They don't short you here, and, at the price, this CD is a steal. The transfer to CD has stunning sound, still packing a wallop after all these years. Go for it!

We need more than highlights.......2001-06-05

This is a fabulous recording of Aida. Nilsson is wonderful, Bumbry is passionate, but Corelli steals the show. He is the definition of heroic. There is a full version of this out there. It is put out by Black Dog Opera Library. Do a search and check it out.

One of the greatest recorded Aidas.......2001-01-25

The competition on the recorded market of this opera is somehow tough if you only think of Karayan's recording from Decca or Mutti's from EMI. This one comes to the top due to some very strong points. First is Corelli's Radames, in my opinion the best Radames from all. Just listen to the diminuendo in "Celeste Aida" or in the closing aria and you'll understand what I mean. The wagnerian voice of Birgit Nilsson gives Aida a very convincing character. The swedish soprano's technique manages the role beautifully and adds drama to the opera. Grace Bumbry defines her character nicely and you can feel her love and suffering. All the other voices support the soloist compartment very well (a plus for Mario Sereni) under the batton of Zubin Mehta which may not convey as much detail as Karajan or Mutti but his orchestra (of Rome Opera) supports the action very well has very beautiful "solo" performances (the dance or the march) and completes extremely well the soloists. Overall this is a box for every Verdi collector, solid in every department and exceptional in the key roles. you have to listen Corelli's Radames in the best sound capture and the best cast he recorded this role with.

Romantic - Verdi: Highlights from "Rigoletto"

Average customer rating:

Romantic - Verdi: Highlights from "Rigoletto"

Manufacturer: Intersound Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Rigoletto: A woman is fickle - Jose Perez/Nuremberg SO and Chor
Hlts from'Aida': Heavenly Aida - Jose Perez/Nuremberg SO and Chor
Hlts from'Aida': Triumphal March - Jose Perez/Nuremberg SO and Chor
Hlts from'Aida': Ballet Music - Jose Perez/Nuremberg SO and Chor
The Troubadour: Gypsy Chor - Bavarian Festival Orch And Chor
The Fallen Woman: It is strange, it is strange - Biserka Cveijc/Nuremberg SO
The Force of Destiny: Peace, peace, my God - Leontyne Price/David Garvey
Hlts from 'La Boheme': What a cold, little hand - Jose Perez/Nuremberg SO and Chor
Hlts from 'La Boheme': They call me Mimi - Bozena Ruk-Focic/Slavis PO
Hlts from 'La Boheme': When I go out in public - Nat Opr Orch
Hlts from 'Turandot': No man shall sleep - Nat Opr Orch
Hlts from 'Turandot': You, who are as cold as ice - Ljilijan Molnar-Talajic/Zagreb PO
Hlts from 'Tosca': What subtle harmony - Jose Perez/Nuremberg SO and Chor
Hlts from 'Tosca': And the stars would be shinning - Ricardo Casinelli/StateOpr Orch of Wurttemberg
Hlts from 'Tosca': I have lived for art, I have lived for love - Bozena Ruk-Focic/Slavis PO
Gianni Schicchi: Oh, my dear papa - Ljilijan Molnar-Talajic/Zagreb PO
Hlts from 'Manon Lescaut': Crisantemi Theme - Nat Opr Orch
Hlts from 'Manon Lescaut': In all this luxury - Bozena Ruk-Focic/Slavis PO

Average customer rating:

50 Classical Highlights: Verdi

Manufacturer: St. Clair Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00006L3PB
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Average customer rating:

Kudos from a dilettente
Aida's grand comeback!
Outstanding CD.

Verdi: Aida [Highlights]

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Verdi:Highlights From Don Carlo
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Bizet: Carmen (Highlights)
Puccini - La Bohème / Freni, Pavarotti, Harwood, Berlin Phil., Karajan [Highlights]
Verdi: Rigoletto (Highlights) / Sutherland, Pavarotti

ASIN: B00000290Y
Release Date: 1994-06-14

Tracks:

Aida: Se Quel Querrier Lo Fossi - Celeste Aida - (Radames)
Aida: Or Di Vulacan Al Tempio - (IL Re, Ramfis, Coro, Aid, Radames, Amneris, Messaggero)
Aida: Ritorna Vincitor - (Aida)
Aida: I Sacri Nomi Di Padre - (Aida)
Aida: Gloria All'Egitto, Ad Iside - (Coro, Ramfis)
Aida: Marcia
Aida: Ballabile
Aida: Vieni, O Guerriero Vindice - (Coro, Ramfis)
Aida: Qui Radames Verra - O Patria Mia - (Aida)
Aida: Ciel Mio Padre! - (Aida, Amonasro)
Aida: Su Dunque Sorgete, Egizie Coorti - (Amonasro, Aida)
Aida: Pieta!Pieta!Pieta! - (Aida, Amonastro)
Aida: Pur Ti Rivegoo, Mia Dolce Aida - (Radames, Aida)
Aida: Nel Fiero Anelito - Ne D'Amneris Paventi - (Radames, Aida)
Aida: Fuggiam Gli Ardori Inospiti - Sovra Una Terra - (Aida, Radames)
Aida: Ah No! Fuggiamo - Nella Terra Avventurata - (Radames, Aida)
Aida: Ma Dimimi Per Qual Via - (Aida, Radames, Amonasro, Amneris, Ramfis)
Aida: L' Aborrita Rivale Di Mie Discolpe I Giudici - (Amneris, Radames)
Aida: Ah Tu Dei Vivere - (Amneris, Radames)
Aida: Chi Ti Salva, Siagurato E La Morte Un Ben Supremo - (Amneris, Radames)
Aida: La Fatal Pietra Sovra Me Si Chiuse - (Radames, Aida)
Aida: Presago Il Core Della Tua Condanna Morir Si Pura E Bella - (Aida, Radames)
Aida: Vedi Di Morte L'Angelo Immenso Ftha - (Aida, Coro, Radames)
Aida: O Terra, Addio - (Aida, Radames, Coro, Amneris)

Customer Reviews:

Kudos from a dilettente.......2006-06-10

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.

Aida's grand comeback!.......2004-07-13

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.

Outstanding CD........2001-03-28

This is the first recording of Aida that I have found fully satisfying. The conducting is good and the cast is excellent. The oustanding vocal talents of Domingo, Morris, and Ramey are well known. But for me the missing piece is supplied by Aprile Millo as Aida. To my ears Millo is the most outstanding dramatic Verdi soprano to have come along in decades. Her singing is nothing short of phenomenal. If you're looking for a CD of highlights from Aida, you can't do better than this one.

Maria Callas Sings Excerpts from Il Trovatore & Aida [Highlights]

Average customer rating:

Highlights do classic 'Aida' justice

Maria Callas Sings Excerpts from Il Trovatore & Aida [Highlights]

Manufacturer: Archipel
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005LZPD
Release Date: 2001-06-26

Customer Reviews:

Highlights do classic 'Aida' justice.......2001-08-10

I wasn't sure whether to get the complete opera or simply the highlights of this Giuseppe Verdi classic. Opting for the latter, I can safely I was not disappointed, and in fact quite pleased.

The highlights version of 'Aida', the lush, intricate story of an Ethiopian slave girl whom the opera is named after, is simply marvelous as it brings forth all the important components of the story. Some of the best pieces are included, including the sadly beautiful "I sacri nomi di padre", as well the glorious chorus of "Vieni, o guerriero vindice". The singers are all suited well for their expectations, and the sound recording is excellent.

Tracks:

Aida: Triumphant March - SO Berlin/Carl-August Bunte
The Magic Flute: 'Der Holle Rache Kocht In Meinem Herzen' - Miki Sahashi
Orpheus In The Underworld: Ov - RPO London/Norman Sattler
The Barber Of Seville: Una Voce Poco Fa - Miki Sahashi
The Barber Of Seville: Ov - Sym Festival Orch/Alfred Scholz
The Flying Dutchman: 'Summ Und Brumm' Chor - Choir And Orch Temesvar/Nicolae Boboc
The Bartered Bride: Ov - Czech PO/Libor Pesek
Carmen: Habanera - Rita Noel
The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarole - RPO London/Frank Shipway
William Tell: 'Qui, Vous L'Arrachez A Mon Ame' - Irene Janmillot/Tony Poncet
La Gioconda: Dance Of The Hours - LPO/Francesco Macci
La Gioconda: Final - LPO/Francesco Macci
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Riccardo Casinelli

Average customer rating:

Second Time Around: Leontyne Price's Royal Return as AIDA - Highlights
Just what you need.

Verdi: Aida (Highlights)

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Verdi: Rigoletto (Highlights) / Sutherland, Pavarotti

ASIN: B00004WFOJ
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

Aida: Act I - Prelude
Aida: Act I - Se Quel Guerrier; Celeste Aida
Aida: Act I - Ritorna Vincitor
Aida: Act II - Triumphal Scene; Ballet Music
Aida: Act III - O Patria Mia
Aida: Act III - Rivedrai Le Foreste; Pur Ti Riveggo; La Tra Foreste Vergini
Aida: Act IV - Ah! Tu Dei Vivere
Aida: Act IV - Tomb Scene: La Fatal Pietra

Customer Reviews:

Second Time Around: Leontyne Price's Royal Return as AIDA - Highlights.......2006-08-06

This is a Highlights CD that includes the more famous musical passages and scenes - with one notable exception: the omission of the Act II Amneris/Aida duet. The electricity generated by Madames Grace Bumbry and Leontyne Price in this music is palpable, and in Ms. Bumbry's case, definitive.. Its a shame that RCA didn't prune some of the Ballet in favor of the duet. Below is a review of the complete opera release from which rthese "highlights" were culled.

This particular recording of Verdi's "Aida" has provoked a great deal of discussion amongst opera-lovers and critics alike since its release in 1970. Much of the furor centered on the American operatic diva Leontyne Price, universally regarded as one of the greatest Aidas ever, and this, her 2nd recorded performance of the role. Most become mired in subjective comparisons between Ms. Price's vocalism and interpretation on the legendary Solti/ Decca "Aida" made in the '60s, and this recording, released on RCA in 1970. There is little need for such debate. "Aida" has enjoyed no greater performer of the role than Leontyne Price! Here, Ms. Price's voice has grown notably darker in color, the middle voice heavier and lusher in texture. Her lower voice has more bite (and more chest)and husk. The upper voice hasn't lost much(vibrancy),and has gained a creamier, velvety richness that yields sublime soft 'pianos'("Numi pieta"..."O Patria mia"...the Nile Scene...and "O terra,addio") and produces the 'con forza' neccessary for the climaxes in the opera. Ms. Price has stated that the key to performing this role(for her)is in recognizing that Aida is a Royal Ethiopean princess, and that attitude is prevalent in her performance here. The conception is grander, more regal, and pointed in relation to her earlier assumption with Solti. The diva uses her impressive vocal 'palette' to color the texts, illuminating the various dramatic situations expertly, no more so than in the Nile Scene where Aida must express sorrow in the aria, joy, then revulsion & terror in the duet with Amonasro, and then seduce Radames into duplicity. Ms. Price reigns supreme there, and is triumphant throughout in this recording. Comparisons be damned, Leontyne Price is unbeatable as Aida on recordings. Her Radames, tenor Placido Domingo, has recorded his role (3) times. He sings here with a youthful vitality that's appropriate for the ambitious Egyptian captain in love with Aida. Mr. Domingo's voice is darkly beautiful, with a distinct vibrancy in his middle voice that blossoms into a firm, full-bodied spinto upper voice that 'rings' on top. He's ardent in the love scenes, heroic in the climaxes, and uniquely successful at portraying Radames' vulnerability, making Aida's seduction in the Nile Scene and "Celeste Aida" more convincing than usual. Mr. Domingo's use of 'mezza voce' is never more appreciated than in "O terra addio", the opera's finale, where he & Ms. Price sing a soft, glowing "farewell" to earth that is heartbreaking. Mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry recorded the role of the Egyptian princess Amneris once before this performance. This role is one of her most famous creations, and she demonstrates the reason for such acclaim here. Ms. Bumbry's voice is sable- rich in texture, with a dark, pulsing middle voice, powerful high notes, and a deep, resonant chest voice that's singular in its beauty. 'Amneris' is a three-dimensional character in Ms. Bumbry's hands, and vocally, the mezzo-soprano is superb at presenting the crafty, volatile, passionate nature of Aida's nemesis. Ms. Bumbry's voice alternately purrs beguilingly, snarls with fury, urgently pleads, and is plaintive when the drama demands it, all on display in her Act III duet with Mr. Domingo,and the explosive Judgement Scene that follows. She is a magnificent Amneris. Baritone Sherrill Milnes added the role of Aida's father 'Amonasaro' to the stellar list of Verdi roles he's renowned for with this recording. His portrayal is also more youthful than usual, but loses none of the dignity and stature that Verdi invested in the music. Mr. Milnes uses his voluminous instrument with a musical intelligence that is largely missing in his rivals' interpretations. His singing is nuanced, purposeful, & incisive, utilizing the strong, firmly- voiced middle to contrast with a superior upper extension, that balances his weak lower register(though not a great factor in this role). Mr. Milnes' duet with Ms. Price in the Nile Scene sizzles! The role of 'Ramphis' is intoned by basso Ruggiero Raimondi, whose vocalism is well-produced but static. (With rare exception, so are his rivals.) Maestro Erich Leinsdorf lacks the imaginative 'spark' that could have lifted this performance to definitive greatness, and instead, conducts a 'practised', thoroughly competent, and musically correct account of this GRAND opera. We are most fortunate that the cast is able to bring their own artistry & vision to the proceedings, and not be too influenced by the maestro's equanimity with the score. This recording has been re-mastered digitally, and the sonics are quite lively and true. There are indeed other more creatively- conducted performances, that feature 'Aidas' of great vocal beauty (Caballe, Milanov,Tebaldi,L.Price) & other superlative artists ( Cossotto,Simionato,Barbieri/ Bergonzi,Corelli,Tucker/ Merrill,Gobbi,Warren), but this performance has something its rivals don't: a sterling quartet of quintessential Verdians that includes 'Aida assoluta' Leontyne Price!!

Just what you need........2003-04-28

I am a music teacher and we're doing an opera unit in class. I am not as familiar with Aida as I would like to be, however this CD offers a respectable teaching aide as well as a valuable recording. Domingo and Price are priceless, and the value of this cd is well worth it!

Average customer rating:

Tepid performance
Wonderful Perfromance

Verdi: Aida Highlights

Manufacturer: Gala
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000001XMQ
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Act One, Romanza: 'If I Were That Warrior!...My Sweet Aida' - Pedro Lavirgen
Act One, Scena: 'Return A Conqueror!' - Jessye Norman
Act Two, Scena E Duetto: 'Fortune Was Cruel To Your People' - Fiorenza Cossotto/Jessye Norman
Act Two: 'May You Have Pity On My Sorrow!'/'Arise! To The Sacred Banks Of The Nile' - Jessye Norman/Fiorenza Cossotto/Chor Lyrique De L'ORTF/Nino Sanzogno
Act Two, Scene Two. Gran Finale II: 'Glory To Egypt, And To Isis' - Chor Lyrique De L'ORTF/Nino Sanzogno/Luigi Roni
Act Two, Scene Two: Triumphal March - Orch Lyrique De L'ORTF/Nino Sanzogno
Act Two, Scene Two: Ballet - Orch Lyrique De L'ORTF/Nino Sanzogno
Act Two, Scene Two: 'Come Avenging Warrior' - Chor Lyrique De L'ORTF/Nino Sanzogno/Luigi Roni
Act Three, Romanza: 'Radames Is Coming Here!...Oh My Homeland' - Jessye Norman
Act Three, Duetto: 'Heavens! My Father!' - Jesse Norman/Walter Alberti
Act Three, Duetto: 'Once More I See You, My Sweet Aida' - Pedro Lavirgen/Jessye Norman
Act Three: 'Let Us Flee From The Harsh Passions' - Jessye NormanPedro Lavirgen
Act Three, Finale III: 'But Tell Me: By What Road' - Jessye Norman/Pedro Lavirgen/Walter Alberti/Fiorenza Cossotto/Luigi Roni
Act Four, Scene One. Duetto: 'Already The Priests, The Arbiters' - Fiorenza Cossotto/Pedro Lavirgen
Act Four, Scene Two. Scene E Duetto: 'The Fatal Sone Has Closed Upon Me...' - Pedro Lavirgen/Jessye Norman
Act Four, Scene Two. Finale Ultimo: 'Oh Moghty Phta...Oh Earth, Farewell' - Chor Lyrique De L'ORTF/Nino Sanzogno/Jessye Norman/Pedro Lavirgen/Fiorenza Cossotto

Customer Reviews:

Tepid performance.......2004-04-12

This recording has wonderful, clear sound quality, but the performances, and especially the conducting, are not up to par. Jessye Norman sings everything beautifully with rich tone, and sounds magnificent in her two arias, but she is a lifeless Aïda. She pastes on Aïda's emotions. Her portrayal is too shallow. She sang this performance when she was still a lirico-spinto, and not yet a full-blown dramatic soprano. Her soft high notes are pretty, but hardly breathtaking and she cuts some forte high notes short, like the high B-flat on the word "Ah!" in "Ritorna vincitor". Pedro Lavirgen is a squillo-less Radamès. At least he puts a little more emotion into his singing than Norman does. His "Celeste Aïda" is surprisingly effective and well sung. His high notes are secure, but he shamelessly milks "Sacerdote, io resto a te" by holding on to one of the high G's for an inordinately long amount of time. Fiorenza Cossotto is in great voice, but very surprising for her, she is very subdued in this performance. She is not dull by any other mezzo's standards, but she is dull by her own standards. Her Judgement Scene with the priests is not included in this highlights CD. Her high notes are rock-solid, which at least partially makes up for her less-than-total dramatic commitment. The baritone who sings Aïda's father is serviceable, but by no means memorable. The conducting of Nino Sanzogno is lifeless. He uses the same, moderate tempo for every scene. When the tempo should speed up and be dramatic, like at the end of the Amneris/Radamès duet, he lets the tempo drag. Some of the brass playing is less than spectacular, the mentioned duet being an example. The trumpet playing in the Triumphal March is mediocre; many of the notes sound like they are about to crack. The sound, as mentioned earlier, is superb. There is no audience noise except for applause, and no tape hiss. The orchestra and soloists could have been miked a bit closer, but they are very audible throughout.

This recording could have been great, but an atmosphere of lethargy pervades it, with Sanzogno's conducting being particularly dead.

Wonderful Perfromance.......2000-01-06

As a Jessye fan, I was very excited to come across this recording. It's a live performance. with excellent recording quality, and the performance is fantastic. Cosotto as Amneris is simply electric, and the rest of the cast is superb. One or two flat notes do not mar my respect for jessye's interpretation, but could explain why this was not recorded by a major label.

Average customer rating:

The Ultimate Highlights from the Opera

Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Easy Listening | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005K2AW
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Average customer rating:

a worthless aida

Verdi: Aida (Highlights)

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000050XA1
Release Date: 2001-01-16

Tracks:

Prld - Nat SO Of Ireland/Saccani
Act I: Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida - Kristjan Johannson/Francesco Ellero D'Artegna/Barbara Dever/Riccardo Ferrari
Act I: Ritorna Vincitor!...I Sacri Nomi Di Padre, D'amante - Riccardo Ferrari/Kristjan Johannson/Maria Dragoni
Act I: Dance Of The Priestesses - Nat SO Of Ireland/Rico Saccani
Act II: Dance Of The Moorish Slaves - Barbara Dever/Maria Dragoni
Act II: Sul De Nilo Al Sacro Lido...Numi, Pieta Del Mio Martir - Barbara Dever/Maria Dragoni
Act II: Gloria All' Egitto - Nat SO Of Ireland/Rico Saccani
Act II: Grand March - Nat SO Of Ireland/Rico Saccani
Act II: Ballet Music - Nat SO Of Ireland/Rico Saccani
Act II: Vieni, O Guerrero Vindice - Riccardo Ferrari/Kristjan Johannson/Mark Rucker/Francesco Ellero D'Artegna/Barbara Dever...
Act III: Qui Radames Verra!...O Patria Mia - Maria Dragoni
Act III: Ciel Mio Padre!...Su Dunque! - Maria Dragoni/Mark Rucker/Kristjan Johannson/Barbara Dever/Francesco Ellero D'Artegna...
Act IV: L'Abborita Rivale A Me Sfuggia...Gia I Sacerdoti - Barbara Dever
Act IV: Die Mie Discolpe - Kristjan Johannson/Barbara Dever
Act IV: Morire! Ah, Tu Dei Vivere - Kristjan Johannson/Barbara Dever/Mark Rucker
Act IV: Chi Ti Salva, Sciagurato - Barbara Dever/Kristjan Johannson
Act IV: E La Morte Un Ben Supremo - Kristjan Johannson/Barbara Dever/Francesco Ellero D'Artegna
Act IV: La Fatal Pietra...Morir! Si Pura E Bella - Kristjan Johannson/Maria Dragoni
Act IV: O Terra, Addio; Addio Di Vale Di Pianto - Kristjan Johannson/Maria Dragoni/Barbara Dever

Customer Reviews:

a worthless aida.......2004-12-12

Naxos has given us some fine opera recordings. Sadly,
this is not one of them. Most of the singers are second-rate and boring, so are the conducter and orchestra.
I'm happy I only bought the highlight CD and not the
complete set. If you want a budget-price highlight CD of aida get
the one with Tebaldi and Bergonzi (on the eloquence lable) or the one with caballe and domingo (Emi encore)
both are fabulous!

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