Verdi: Aida

Recorded at the world-famous Arena di Verona, this opulent production of Verdi’s popular opera Aida was brought to life in a classic staging by Gianfranco De Bosio and conducted by Nello Santi, one of the greatest living representatives of the Italian singer-conductor tradition, who led a cast of exceptional singers, all well rooted in the Italian tradition.

The dramatic role of Aida was central to Maria Chiara’s reper­toire, and she regularly appeared at the arena as Verdi’s heroine. Her intense, introverted interpretation of the role is complemented by Icelandic tenor Kristján Jóhannsson’s Ra­damés. The other roles are filled by equally strong singers: American mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick has made a speciality of Verdi’s troubled rich-girl Amneris, while Juan Pons is heard at the peak of his powers in his reading of Amonasro. The opera is staged in front of the imposing, ancient Roman backdrop of the Arena di Verona and the sets, based on the original designs by influential Veronese architect and painter Ettore Fagiuoli (1884–1961), are similarly impressive. The vastness of the arena, allows for a vision that is almost cinematic, thus making the work ideal for a recording on DVD. Masterfully captured this opera classic proves to be a feast for the eyes and the ears of the home viewer.