Verdi

Aida

Souliotis, Lavirgen, Cernei, Guelfi; Rescigno
Mexico City, 1966

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Aida

Elena Souliotis' youthful soprano, already marked by its sheer amplitude and emotional immediacy, finds an ideal vehicle in the role of Aida. Still early in her career, she sings with fearless abandon and an instinctive dramatic flair that brings the character's inner turmoil vividly to life. Her top notes ring out with intensity, but it's her ability to shade the quieter, more reflective moments that truly sets her apart.

Giangiacomo Guelfi makes only a brief appearance as Amonasro, but his commanding presence and burnished tone leave a lasting impression—nearly stealing the show in his scenes.

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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Exciting Performance in Good Sound!

A lot of Mexico City broadcasts tend to be a little haphazard as far as sound quality and performance standards, mixing the sublime with the maddening. This performance is more consistent. The sound, while a bit muddy and tinny, is pitched correctly and there are no gaping holes where half a phrase or a scene is missing. The singers sing in a manner that used to be standard for this opera.Souliotis was all of 23 (or so) when she sang this Aida and her potential is unmistakable. The top does everything she asks of it (the top C in "O patria mia" is securely sung) and she soars over the Act Two ensemble like a champion. Her singing doesn't yet have a lot of finesse (it never would), but her musicianship and dramatic instincts are already first-rate. Lavirgen had a fine voice with ringing high notes. Subtle he is not, but the audience is thrilled. With her rich, sensuous mezzo Cernai is a tremendously good Amneris. Her high notes sent chills down my back. She always sounds like the regal princess she is supposed to be playing. Guelfi tears up the stage whenever he has the chance and takes no prisoners. Rescigno leads with strength, assisting his cast, but not allowing them to run over him.Souliotis fans must hear this, if only to hear again a talent that wasn't allowed time to properly develop. It's an exciting performance of Aida too!
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