Aida

Aida tells the tale of the titular Ethiopian slave whose love for an Egyptian army commander conflicts with family and ethnic loyalties, ultimately leading her to join her lover Radamès in death. Richly scored, with a cast of thousands, Verdi's Aida has been a staple of the repertory for well over a hundred years, and thanks to its exotic setting in ancient Egypt—as well as triumphal marchers leading an array of animals bearing treasures—it's the poster child for pageantry and lavish production values in the opera world. As such, Aida seems an unlikely candidate for the minimalist vision of internationally acclaimed, multifaceted artist Robert Wilson. Recorded live at the Théâtre Royal de La Monnaie-De Munt in Brussels, Belgium, this production is set against a background of sliding panels (lit to convey mood) with the players moving in gliding motions using stylized hand and arm movements, a lá Noh Theatre. The effect is actually hypnotic and involving, while also allowing the music (a well-received orchestral performance by the Symphony Orchestra of La Monnaie-De Munt led by Kazushi Ono) to prevail. The principals—Norma Fantini as Aida, Marco Berti as Radamès, Ildiko Komlosi as Amneris, Mark Doss as Amonasro, and Orlin Anastassov as Ramfis—capture the spirit of the concept. Some will feel that this Aida borders on blasphemy (at least judging from the tepid audience response and sheepish expressions on some of the principals during the curtain calls), although the production was generally praised by critics. Presented in DTS and LCPM stereo, with DVD extras including a cast gallery and synopsis, this Aida should be considered for major music collections (and by ardent Wilson cultists) due to its original artistic approach, and is a strong optional purchase for others. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)