I love Aida as an opera, and I liked this production a good deal. The costumes and sets are grand and lavish, however the picture quality is grainy and the video directing does look dated at times. However the story is as dramatic as ever, the characters compelling and the music sublime.
When it came to the staging, I was very impressed overall, especially with the tear-jerker that is the final scene and the ballet. The orchestra is fine mostly, if having the odd uncomfortable moment and as phenomenal it sounded had a tendency to overpower Estes during his big moment in Act 3, likewise with the conducting though it can plod sometimes.
The performances are very good. Luciano Pavarotti is in great voice and makes for a heroic Rhadames. Margaret Price is wonderful as Aida, and acting-wise and vocally Simon Estes is a powerful Amonasro. Kurt Rydll is chillingly effective as Ramfis, however my favourite was the performance of Amneris sung and acted brilliantly by Stefania Toczyska.
Overall, very good mostly. 8/10 Bethany Cox
When it came to the staging, I was very impressed overall, especially with the tear-jerker that is the final scene and the ballet. The orchestra is fine mostly, if having the odd uncomfortable moment and as phenomenal it sounded had a tendency to overpower Estes during his big moment in Act 3, likewise with the conducting though it can plod sometimes.
The performances are very good. Luciano Pavarotti is in great voice and makes for a heroic Rhadames. Margaret Price is wonderful as Aida, and acting-wise and vocally Simon Estes is a powerful Amonasro. Kurt Rydll is chillingly effective as Ramfis, however my favourite was the performance of Amneris sung and acted brilliantly by Stefania Toczyska.
Overall, very good mostly. 8/10 Bethany Cox