Gilda Cruz-Romo's gleaming soprano is heard to excellent effect in the title role of Aida, but the evening truly belongs to Grace Bumbry, who ignites the stage as Amneris, particularly in her explosive confrontation with Radamès in Act IV. Thomas Schippers leads an idiomatic and nuanced performance from the pit, pressing the tempo just enough to keep things taut without losing control. Unfortunately, this recording is missing a significant portion of the prelude and most of "Celeste Aida," as well as the first few minutes of Act IV. Static also crops up intermittently, though it does not overshadow the vocal and interpretive strengths of the performance.