Description:

To describe the cast of this performance of Aida as star-studded is almost an understatement. Martina Arroyo scores a triumph in the title role conveying effortless calm in even the most daunting passages. Plácido Domingo heroically gets through Celeste Aida. The great thing about this tenor was that whenever you sensed that he was faced with a tessitura that might have been a little high for him, the challenge only seemed to galvanize his efforts adding all the more excitement to the proceedings. Fiorenza Cossotto is wild as Amneris and Piero Cappuccilli makes much of his brief but significant scenes as Amonasro. If that weren’t enough, Nicolai Ghiaurov is Ramfis. Despite the over-abundance of star power, the real star is very likely Claudio Abbado. Abbado never needed to rely on tricks, or gimmicks to stand out, focusing solely on his profound understanding of Verdi. The sound is excellent.

BONUS:
Placido Domingo sings arias from Otello
Hamburg, 1975

OD 11028-2