Schippers is always a success in Aida, this one as a testament with a transcended orchestra. Cruz-Romo in a great night, Bumbry still sensational, Gugalov not ideal with italian and timbre not constantly seduces but musician, Wixell at his best.

This performance was released commercially decades ago (I don't recall which label) and was favorably reviewed in the Met's own volume of record recommendations. Not having heard it before, I'm going to make some assumptions, one of them being that it was presented complete with the sections missing intact. I'm also going to assume it was in much better sound than what we get here. The voices are certainly audible, but sometimes the sound is slightly muffled. Then the sonic clouds part and everything is much clearer.Cruz-Romo is a marvelous Aida, equal to every challenge that Verdi gives her. There are very few secure voices like this today. Bumbry is on fire and contributes a thrilling Amneris. She takes her chest voice up dangerously high in the Judgement scene and then knocks our socks off with her final high A. Gugalov sings a strong Radames with a ringing high B-flat (fortunately the last two minutes of "Celeste Aida" are preserved). Wixell is a ferocious Amonasro and the two basses, Ferrin and Roni, are excellent. Schippers was a fine opera conductor and shows why here.I wish this were complete and in consistently good sound, but fans of the opera or the singers will enjoy this.

J'y étais j'avais aimé Schippers malgré le mistral mais ça n’intéresse personne