Verdi

Aida

Weathers, Lazaro, J. McIntyre, Sarabia; Schüchter
Dortmund, 1971

Regular price $17.95
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Aida

Joy McIntyre makes a compelling case for casting Amneris with a dramatic soprano. The vocal balance between her and Aida feels more evenly matched, and she delivers some thrilling high notes that few mezzos could achieve. Felicia Weathers, though undeniably gifted with a uniquely beautiful voice, offers a more uneven performance. Her softer singing reveals her expressive potential, but moments requiring full vocal power—particularly on exposed high notes—are inconsistent, and at times, unfortunate. Still, for admirers of her artistry, this recording offers an intriguing glimpse into what made her such a promising talent.

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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Not Weathers' Finest Hour, But There Are Compensations!

In this performance, Felicia Weathers certainly shows why she was so highly regarded back in the 60s, but also why her career lost steam. There is much that she sings well and beautifully. "Ritorna vincitor" is not only meltingly sung, but gripping. The more lyric, gentler moments of the score come off with assurance. But Weathers was either indisposed the evening this was recorded or showing the effects of too heavy a repertoire on her voice. The top B-flats mostly emerge intact, if a little desperate, but the Bs and Cs simply won't come out as I'm sure Weathers intended them to. The end of "O patria mia" is a painful moment; the audience responds with silence.Francisco Lazaro partners his leading lady very professionally. The role is too heavy for his voice too, but he has imagination and is musical. Joy McIntyre is a memorable Amneris. She holds onto the final A of the Judgement Scene long after Verdi wrote it to be finished. I also liked her howl of despair when hearing of Radames' fate. Guillermo Sarabia is a vivid Amonasro; his scene with Weathers is the best thing from both of them in the performance. Gunter Wewel is a strong Ramfis. The chorus sings in German. Wilhelm Schuchter accommodates his prima donna as well as he can.The opening prelude is missing as are the last twenty seconds (some other bits here and there also get lost - nothing major.) The voices are recessed, but audible; the tapist is a little fidgety.For fans of the singers.
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