This is as exciting and as well conducted an Aida as one can hope to hear. Certainly no Aida cast today could match what the singers in this performance accomplish. Arroyo could be a placid, uninteresting singer. Here she is not only involved, but sings like an angel in a role that suited her to a T. One never has to worry that the music will be too much for her. She meets everyone of Verdi's demands head on. She never got to record this role commercially; fortunately, Opera Depot has three recordings of it in excellent sound from which to choose. She is splendid in all of them.Domingo is so easy to take for granted. Radames, especially at this point in his career, was one of his best roles and he is in fine form. Cossotto is a terrific Amneris, bringing down the house after Act 4, scene 1. Cappuccilli, Ghiaurov, and Roni are superb in their roles and we have the luxury of having Piero De Palma as the messenger in the first scene and the young Josella Ligi as the priestess in the Temple Scene - talk about casting from strength!Abbado leads with authority, bringing out many details in the orchestration that I had forgotten about and pacing the opera like a champion. The sound is excellent.All lovers of Verdi and/or opera in general should have this recording!

Great performance