Verdi - Aida / Arroyo · Domingo · Abbado
What a wonderful surprise! Even fans of Placido Domingo, who has recorded the role of Radames four times commercially (including the acclaimed version withMonserrat Caballé under Riccardo Muti), will be amazed by his fresh voice and complete involvement, under Claudio Abbado's thoroughly engrossing leadership in this live 1972 performance, in very good sound. Martina Arroyo was an underrated Aida, and Fiorenza Cossotto spews rage as the jealous Amneris. Piero Cappuccilli gives us an Amonasro to fear and respect, and Nicolai Ghiaurov, is, as always, the perfect low voice in the ensembles. The La Scala forces are terrific. Dare I say it? This is the best-performedAidaon the market.--Robert Levine