Aida

The monumental quality of Giuseppe Verdi's 1871 opera—about the doomed love between the titular Ethiopian princess and Egyptian army commander Radames, who faces the forces of Aida's father—is certainly conveyed in this 2012 production from the massive Arena di Verona. Directed in highly traditional fashion by Gianfranco de Bosio, the staging features magnificent sets and costumes designed to replicate the 1913 performance that opened the Arena as an operatic venue, filling the huge space with color and opulence. The musical side doesn't quite match up, but this is nonetheless a solid reading of the score, with Daniel Oren coaxing strong playing from the company orchestra, while numerous choristers and dancers ably fulfill their responsibilities—as do the four horses that bow before the king. Among the singers, Hui He and Andrea Ulbrich stand out as Aida and Amneris, her rival for Radames' affections, while Ambrogio Maestri makes a powerful sound as Aida's father, Amonasro. Only Marco Berti is on a distinctly lower level (in terms of both vocalism and acting) as Radames. Presented in DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include a cast gallery (as well as a 3D option for those suitably equipped). In a crowded field, this Aida may not be the first choice (Franco Zeffirelli's 2001 mounting from Verdi's birthplace in Busseto, Italy, reviewed in VL-11/02, would be better), but it can easily be recommended. (F. Swietek)