Verdi - Aida / Levine, Domingo, Millo, Metropolitan Opera

Customer Rating:
Summary: Needs Remastering
Comment: With the Metropolitan Museum of Art not far from the Metropolitan Opera House, this production exudes authenticity. One thing to watch for: does the high priest have a beard or not? He is the first person to sing onstage, and he should NOT have a beard. Egyptians could not grow beards, but the king wore a fake beard as a sign of power--even the female pharaoh Hatshepsut wore a beard! Unfortunately it has become cliché for the high priest to have a beard, and I give high points to the stages where this practice is shunned: New York and London.
This was one of the first Aidas to appear on DVD, and it needs some work. The sound could be modernized, and the range of subtitle options expanded. In fact, this would be a good title for blu-ray release because, Even if it is 4:3 aspect ratio, the part of the screen that has something on it is worth looking at. The principal singers are also well worth hearing, all in their prime. Domingo is a bit baritonal for the part of Radamès, but he survives the experience, unlike many a lyric tenor who has been destroyed by it. His musical timing is flawless, entering the flow of the musical drama right on the beat and on pitch. He has an ear for the ensemble.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Good...but nowhere near great.
Comment: Aida is certainly one of my favorite operas. However this is not a great recording.
Domingo has been a truly great tenor, but is not in this recording. He is stiff, as usual, and too old for the character. Millo in blackface is absolutely ridiculous, and while she may be the "best Verdi soprano of the last 25 years" she is no Price or Tebaldi. On the bright side Zajick is VERY good both vocally and in character.
The videography is truly horrendous. Either the characters are so far away that they are indistinguishable or so close and shot from such an odd angle that it looks ludicrous. The sound is simple stereo (an in places in need of serious remastering).
I have shelved this recording after forcing myself all the way through a couple of times. I am not greatly impressed.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent Recording!
Comment: This DVD recording of "Aida" is a feast for the eyes and the ears!
Even though it's from a few years ago, the voices are outstanding and
the recording clear and up to date. This is my favorite opera of all
time and this DVD really does it justice. I recommend it highly!

Customer Rating:
Summary: Verdi - Aida/Levine, Domingo, Millo
Comment: Verdi's music is wonderful. The singers did a very good job. The staging was spectacular. We thoroughly enjoyed the opera.

Customer Rating:
Summary: My favorite Aida - so far.
Comment: I bought the VHS version instead of the DVD because the latter does not have any digital enhancements. So try getting a used VHS copy. Overall the set designs and presentations are excellent EXCEPT a tad dark in unexpected places, such as the victory march scenes.

Placido Domingo as Radames is top notch although past his prime vocally. In Act 1, Celeste Aida sounded quite flat as compared to the Pavorati version. I must say that I prefer Franco Corelli's performance (see Art Of Singing DVD) much better but I cannot find a Corelli Aida.

Dolora Zaijick as Amneris is superb rendering her mezzo just beautifully.

Aprile Millo as Aida is very good and yes she had ebon makeup to validate her Egyptian slave persona. However, compare her 'O patria mia' with that of Leontyne Price in the 'Art of Singing' DVD. There is no comparison. Ms. Price sounds just top notch. All in all Ms. Millo's performance is very good.

I recommend this work wholeheartedly. Well worth your time.