Aida's Brothers and Sisters: Black Voices in Opera

Pulling together a number of resources to tell the story of the African American struggle to find and sustain a place in the opera world, the beautiful and beautifully produced Aida's Brothers and Sisters tells an engaging story backed by powerful song, using performance clips effectively woven together to illustrate the commentary provided by black artists, historians and other interviewees from the music field. A wide range of issues are covered, including the unique quality of a "black" voice, the limited choice of roles due to discrimination, the civil rights movement, and the celebrated (and troubled) careers of Marian Anderson and Paul Robeson. In addition to these two luminaries, Betty Allen, Martina Arroyo, Grace Bumbry, Simon Estes, Barbara Hendricks, Reri Grist, Leontyne Price, George Shirley and Camilla Williams provide glorious vocals along with their penetrating observations on the state of their art. Viewers are left with the knowledge that the struggle continues, but also with hope for the future as embodied in emerging artists at the Harlem School for the Arts and Opera Ebony. Sophisticated photographic effects, judicious editing and genuine star presence make this outstanding choice highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)