As one of the other reviewers noted, this is a monumental performance. I think the excitement of the Staatsoper reopening helped to uplift many of the performances that season. I don't mind opera in languages other than the original. At times it makes me hear musical aspects that often pass me by. Rysanek, Madeira, Hopf and London are all in lush, full voice. I love Aida sung like this. Especially with a soprano voice of this size that can soar over the ensembles. For 1955, the sound is exceptionally good. One warning, though. If you download this, the last track of Disc 1 has some serious digital distortion. It starts around the middle of the track and lasts for several minutes. I downloaded the .zip file 3 times to make sure it wasn't something with the file on my computer. Any way to fix this, Andy?

This Aida was part of the reopening of the Wiener Staatsoper in November 1955. From the prelude, the performance leaps from the speakers. Kubelik is in complete command of the colossal talents assembled, and his reading is one of the grandest and most atmospheric. Rysanek simply soars pianissimo to fortissimo. Hopf is heroic in timbre, sensitive to dynamics, possessing a welcome “squillo” on top. Madeira enters ready to rule Egypt with her column of sound. Dramatically, she all but loses her mind in Act 4! London’s vocally towering Amonasro reminds us who is king. Frick’s Ramfis leaves one longing for a lost aria, but the Temple scene is breathtaking. Oskar Czerwenka’s King of Egypt is overshadowed in this company. Anny Felbermayer sings the Priestess. Sound is excellent. Enjoy!

It takes a while to get used to Aida in German. Carmen in Italian is easy to listen to but this translation can sound grotesque. The amazing thing is that it doesn't matter. Rysanek, Madeira, London, and Frick give amazingly intense and committed performances. Madiera rips the place up in the Judgement Scene. Rysanek soars over the chorus and orchestra in the Triumphal Scene and then floats exquisite pianissimi in the Nile Scene and Tomb Scene. London is magisterial and Frick is amazing. Hopf not so good but not bad. Kubelik.s conducting is wonderfully dramatic and the orchestra plays beautifully.

Great performance, gutsy, lusty singing all around--plus a grand Ramfis from Gottlob Frick and much excitement from the pit!

Great recording, great sound for 1955