Listen to a Sample:

Pros:

• A lot of Aidas have come my way, but this one truly stands out in almost every aspect.
• Leyla Gencer is in absolute top form in the title role, alternating seamlessly between gutsy full-throated singing, and exquisitely delicate vocalism.
• Giulietta Simionato is a tour-de-force as Amneris.
• Giangiacomo Guelfi is equally stunning as Amonasro, unabashedly sitting on high notes (perhaps beyond the limits of good taste) to the delight of the audience.
• Tullio Serafin favors slower tempi, but clearly leads from the heart.
• Believe it or not, the chorus offers some of the best singing of the evening, delivering laser accuracy and crystal-clear Italian diction.

Cons:

• Tragically, the last act was rained out, depriving the audience of Simionato's chance to dig into the Judgement Scene. For the sake of continuity, I have included Act IV from a performance featuring Leontyne Price and Simionato.

In Mono

OD 11859-2