By today's standards, Orianna Santunione's Aïda sounds golden-aged. You never have to worry about whether or not she'll get the high note or be able to sustain a phrase. She has the Italian tradition of the role down pat and makes all the appropriate dramatic gestures. The voice itself is less remarkable, nor does she have the finesse that many of the great Aïdas of the past had. Nevertheless, she stands up well to Bergonzi and Cossotto.Bergonzi sings elegantly as he always did. Radames ideally needs more ring and ease at the top than Bergonzi provides, but he is still very satisfying. Cossotto doesn't allow subtlety to get in her way and performs for the crowd, yet she is a powerhouse and provides a riveting judgement scene. Mastromei is a terrific Amonasro: a beautiful voice, excellent line, fiery dramatic presence. Vinco and the rest of the cast are also well above average. De Fabritiis knows the score like the back of his hand and shows it with his dynamic leadership.The sound is excellent; in fact, it is transferred at too high of a level (I had to turn the volume way down). But better that than too low a level.Fans of the opera will enjoy this tremendously. Those who want to see the performance too can buy it from VAI Music.com.

This may be an almost all-star cast but virtually everyone, even Carlo Bergonzi, seems to be phoning it in during this Tokyo take-the-money-and-run gig. The X factor is Orianna Santunione in the title role. She may been a B- or C- lister at the time but she gives a creditable account of herself. Although NHK did radio simulcasts of the Lirica Italiana series, in splendid stereo, what we have here is bland monaural sound, possibly taken off videotape. In sum, a disappointment.

If you don't mind an "Aida" that's a bit wild and woolly, you'll enjoy this presentation from the NHK's Lirica Italiana series. The tipping point is probably Orianna Santunione's Aida, a fairly cumbersome rendition of the part but she can be relied upon to come up with a beautifully turned phrase when needed. Carlo Bergonzi's Radames is peerless. Gianpiero Mastromei makes a fearsome impression as Amonasro -- as does Fiorenza Cossotto's Amneris, charging through the role with subtlety cast to the winds. Other singers include a bland Ramfis and rusty King of Egypt, but Anna di Stasio sings the Priestess' offstage invocations beautifully. Oliviero De Fabritiis keeps a firm hand on the proceedings and the NHK Symphony plays well for him.