Dinara Alieva in Moscow

Azerbaijani soprano Dinara Alieva (also “Aliyeva”) has been on Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre operatic roster since 2009. In this April 2014 concert, she performs with the Russian National Orchestra under Constantine Orbelian (with occasional contributions from the Russian State Grand Choir) at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. Alieva's rich voice has a dark, smoky tone, and she cuts a striking figure in her red silk gown. But one hears little evidence of much range in her repertoire (or depth of interpretation) during this show. Alieva first offers a series of 19th-century romantic arias by Charpentier, Giordano, Massenet, Puccini, and Cilea, followed by some pieces from Spanish zarzuelas and Viennese operettas. She also adds a few more overtly pop selections: “Over the Rainbow,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” and “Summertime,” along with a medley of Russian tunes featured in a Deanna Durbin movie. Interspersed with her vocals are brief orchestral interludes, most of which are delivered rather phlegmatically by Orbelian. Presented in PCM stereo, this may prompt interest to hear Alieva in something more challenging, but is otherwise an optional purchase. (F. Swietek)