I wish some sound engineer who knows the ins and outs of modern sound restoration technology would take a crack at this Aida. The performance is terrific. Tebaldi is "on", her voice achingly beautiful, the sometimes uneven top heard at its finest here. Andy doesn't exaggerate above: her top C in "O patria mia" is excellent as is her floated high A at the end (even so some in the audience aren't pleased.) A little later on she lets out a terrifying scream when denounced by her father for which she is awarded with wild cheers. Her pianissimo high B-flat at "Fuggiam, fuggiam!" receives a "Brava!" so loud I jumped. If her other Aidas tended to be uneven, this one is superb.The rest of the cast is also wonderful. Ignicio Riccò, unlisted above, is an unusually strong King. Serafin shows how this opera should be conducted. He either makes an unusual cut of the Amneris/Ramfis scene at the beginning of Act Three or it's just missing from the original tape.Alas, the original tape is not in good shape and the sound wavers here and there, making one feel a little seasick at times. This doesn't affect the voices most of the time, but this recording requires some indulgence and patience on the listener's part. If you're a Tebaldi fan, as I am, it's definitely worth the effort.

It is Iginio Riccò, not Ignicio Riccò, who sings the King so well in this performance. Mea culpa, Signor Riccò!

Great performance by Tebaldi, but the poor quality makes it hard to enjoy.