BaL 1.04.17 - Verdi: Aïda

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

In 1988, I tried to book tickets for Aida at Earl's Court, but the event was sold out. In a wild fit of irresponsibility (being very hard up at the time) I went off with a friend to Verona to see the opera in the arena. It was was an incredible experience. Scene changes between each of the 4 acts was done by cranes, and each took more than half an hour. It was an acoustical miracle, though our seats were one one side of the arena, so when the singers had their backs to us, they were barely audible, Fortunately that didn't happen often.

Since then, I've seen it in Birmingham arena (which wasn't great) and a very good Opera North production in Leeds. But neither even approached the Verona experience.

[BBMmk2]

The Pappano is terrific but I should put a word in for the Callas/Barbirolli live on Testament great singing and conducting of a quality that many of Callas's studio recordings could have done with .

Not callas?!?!!? Nooo!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Getting back to Verona performances, it must be impossible to capture the sound and atmosphere on any recording.

[BBMmk2]

I am very surprised about the lack of discussion about this BaL. IMO, I think it's been one of the best ones recently. \I suppose it was a forgone conclusion that Pappano's version would win but not with stiff competition, again imo, Abbado's two recordings and Maazel's not getting in the winning frame! I rather like the way Maazel conducts anyway, so that might be a reason for being slightly partisan! I rather like Muti too. Who wouldn't, surely?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

An interesting BaL, though a few grammatical howlers had me wincing.

A well-considered argument for the shortlist and the eventual winner.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I suppose it was a forgone conclusion that Pappano's version would win but not with stiff competition, again imo,

But Muti won...

[BBMmk2]

Yes he did, for a moment I thought Pappano had then I heard it again and oh, another BBMish! I'll be getting this! I don't recall Abbado getting a mention?

[Rolmill]

I enjoyed this - not least because I agreed with almost all of his views . I already have 4 of his shortlisted 5 (not the Callas - never really got on with her voice on recordings), and none of the other examples played sounded like necessary purchases, so my bank manager will also be happy.

I thought it was a well-structured, expertly presented and helpfully illustrated BaL, with some interesting diversions and (as EA says) carefully considered conclusions.

I may have missed it (I didn't hear quite all of the BaL), but I don't recall any mention of Karajan's earlier set with Tebaldi and Bergonzi, which is one of my favourites?

[gradus]

A first rate BAL.

[Rolmill]

I don't recall Abbado getting a mention?

Not illustrated, but dismissed on the grounds that Ricciarelli is audibly over-stretched at times as Aida, IIRC.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I may have missed it (I didn't hear quite all of the BaL), but I don't recall any mention of Karajan's earlier set with Tebaldi and Bergonzi, which is one of my favourites?

That's my favourite, but I was interested to hear Freni in HvK's later version.

[ardcarp]

I thought it was a well-structured, expertly presented and helpfully illustrated BaL

I was interested in his use (3X) of the word 'baritonal' as applied to tenors. As a (lapsed) tenor I've not come across it, but presumably he was referring to richness and fullness in their lower registers...say from middle C down to C on the bass stave. Doimingo clearly has no problems in that department!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

There appears to be an error on the Radio 3 website. There's a list of all the shortlist, including the Freni/VPO/Karajan, which it describes as being on 3CDs. Sadly, it's download only, though there are a few second-hand CD sets available.

[Bryn]

There appears to be an error on the Radio 3 website. There's a list of all the shortlist, including the Freni/VPO/Karajan, which it describes as being on 3CDs. Sadly, it's download only, though there are a few second-hand CD sets available.

Plus one "New" currently shown as being available from Worcester Classical CDs.

[BBMmk2]

Heard Acts 1, & 2 this morning, on Spotify of the Muti. What I can say is, I can see why the reviewer chose this! Magnificent!