An interpretatuion of Verdi's Aida

VERDI: AIDA

Soloists: Cristina Gallardo-Domas, Olga Borodina, Vincenzo La Scola, Matti Salminen. Wiener Philharmoniker. Conductor: Nicholas Harnooncourt Warner Classics: 2564 64348-2 ***

Aida is Verdi's most spectacular opera, so is normally staged on a grand scale with soloists, chorus and orchestra to match. Here, the conductor eschews this traditional practice for a delicate and restrained approach. Most of his principals have lighter lyric voices, which he supports by using the orchestra in a restrained and delicate manner. Gallardo-Domas as Aida does some lovely things but, fine artist though she is, the role stresses her voice, a problem which affects many of the other soloists. The notable exception is Borodina, who sings Amneris with authority and power. Similarly, while the orchestra produces some ravishing sounds, it is frequently at the cost of losing the power of the score. An interesting if uneven approach to Aida, albeit with some ravishing singing and playing. www.warnerclassics.com COLMAN MORRISSEY