This is a very satisfying Aida with an excellent cast, all of whom do justice to Verdi's score. It's so easy to take them all for granted because (unlike most contemporary singers) you never have to worry about whether they'll get the note or be able to sustain the phrases. Zadek sings sweetly and beautifully as Aida. She has a strong top that easily encompasses the top C in "O patria mia" ("O Vaterland" in this translation) and passionately fills out the composer's long lines. Höngen was a well-known dramatic mezzo-soprano at the time, mostly in the German repertoire, but here she shows how good she could be in Italian roles. She is regal, but never becomes a harridan. I loved her cry of despair in the Judgement Scene when she learns of Radames's fate. Roswaenge was, perhaps, a little past his vocal prime, but you almost wouldn't know it. He ends his big aria with a lovely soft B-flat and then continues to sing musically and well for the rest of the performance. Metternich is a great Amonasro - what a voice! The two basses are good, if not world class. Special kudos to Margot Guillaume who sings the Priestess with shining tone and the excellent chorus who, with their hushed tones, add so much to the Temple Scene. Schmidt-Isserstedt was also better known for the German repertoire, yet he conducts with great lyricism, bringing out the clashing drama between the two cultures.The sound is clear, well-focused, and on-pitch. All lovers of Aida should have this.