Aida

Verdi's Aida opened in Cairo in 1871 and has been wowing ‘em ever since, with its dramatic action, pageantry, and full-bodied score. Set in Egypt during the time of the pharaohs, the story follows the doomed love affair between the eponymous captured Ethiopian slave and an Egyptian commander named Radames, a pair who must reconcile their conflicting calls to country and filial duty. While there have been several worthwhile productions of Aida (including Franco Zeffirelli's 2001 mounting, reviewed in VL-11/02), this one has an added attraction: historical scenery. During the 1940s, Barcelona's opera house, the Liceu, was home to master practitioner of the Catalan tradition of scenography Josep Mestres Cabanes, whose masterpiece was his work on Aida, which consisted of creating some 120 pieces of paper scenery, painted and mounted on wooden frames. Taken from storage, these sets have been painstakingly restored for this production--performed once again in the Liceu--under the aegis of Jordi Castells, with glowing, magical effect. The able cast includes the renowned Daniela Dessi as an outstanding Aida, Fabio Armilato as a handsome and vocally sturdy Radames, Roberto Scandiuzzi as a resonant Ramfis, and Juan Pons as a fine Amonasro (and while I was not swept away by Elisabetta Fiorillo's Amneris, the crowd sure loved her). Bolstered by the splendid orchestra and chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu under the baton of Miguel Ángel Gómez Martínez and enhanced by the excellent performances of the Campanyia Metros dancers, this is a thoroughly enjoyable production, only slightly marred by some cheesy costumes. Presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LCPM stereo, the DVD's extras include an excellent documentary on the Cabanes sets, photo galleries, and a concise illustrated synopsis. Recommended for all collections. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)