Verdi: Aida (Blu Ray) [Blu-ray]

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Product Description ------------------- The grand scale and magnificent acoustics of the Roman arena in Verona are ideally suited to the pageantry of Verdi's Egyptian opera, presented here in a staging that is true to the original 1913 production, framed by obelisks and sphinxes and filled with chorus and dancers. Chinese soprano Hui He has won international accl for her portrayal of the eponymous slave girl whose forbidden love for the war hero Radamés (Marco Berti, the experienced Verdi tenor) brings death to them both. Press Reviews "It's straightforward, recalling Edwardian toy theatre...And the spectacle isn't overdone...Ulbrich is a fiery Amneris. But it's the Ethiopians who carry the day, with Maestri's thundering Amonasro and, above all, Chinese soprano Hui He's Aida, vocally strong and passionate and commanding a decent mezza voce. " (BBC Music Magazine ★★★) "Hui He is one of the world's Aidas of choice, and there's no denying that she's got what it takes...Berti, similarly, has a true Verdi tenor as Radames...Ulbrich is an impressive Amneris without a well-placed top couple of notes...Maestri, who looks as if he could stomp the Egyptians to death if he wanted to, sings and acts a monumental Amonasro. " (International Record Review) "[Hui He] is quite magnificent, her silvery-toned soprano soaring above the orchestra. Add her involved and expressive acting and excellent vocal characterisation to a smooth legato line and I was ed over...[Ulbrich] has the vocal heft and bite to come over in the large Verona Arena whilst her committed acting was also welcome. " (Musicweb International) Cast Roberto Tagliavini (The King of Egypt) Andrea Ulbrich (Amneris) Hui He (Aida) Marco Berti (Radamès) Francesco Ellero D'artegna (Ramfis) Ambrogio Maestri (Amonasro) Antonella Trevisan (High Priestess) Antonello Ceron (A messenger) Orchestra, Chorus and Corps de Ballet of the Arena di Verona; Daniel Oren Production Company: Arena di Verona Stage Director: Gianfranco De Bosio Television Director: Tiziano Mancini Choreographer: SUSANNA EGRI Disc Information Catalogue Number: OABD7122D Date of Performance: 2012 Running Time: 150 minutes Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Subtitles: EN, FR, DE, JP Label: Opus Arte Review ------ This revival is, in many ways, worthy of the Verdi year. --Opera News, May 2014