Right from the start of operations, Verdi's grand Egyptian extravaganza has had a central place in the repertoire of the Ellen Kent tours. Of course that could never have happened if the spectacular effects were compulsory. Apart from the notorious Triumph Scene the only grand element lies in the Temple of Isis in the first act. Everything else is essentially intimate human drama, and the opera works very well on that basis. The set is a series of stepped platforms, with singers able to enter and depart at different levels - a few pillars stand at each side, so no queuing for the chorus. No more is needed, and most of the costumes are attractive attempts at historical reconstruction.
The company's singers generally have strong voices, well-schooled and capable of a range of subtle singing. That certainly describes the singers of Radamès and Amneris, even if their stage acting was basic. The Amonasro and Aïda were considerably better than that. Vladimir Dragos showed off a splendid technique and a good instinct for the stage. Ludmilla Magomedova gave a subtle performance, and her phrasing at the soaring climax of 'O patria mia' was quite beautiful. Galina Bernaz, soon to be seen as Butterfly, Abigaille and Aïda herself, was luxury casting as the offstage Priestess.
Additional performances and alternate castings to be confirmed.
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