Search - Verdi, Caniglia, Stignani :: Aida

A must for Gigli Fans!

Jill Bakke | Oak Park, IL USA | 01/14/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, there are better overall recordings of Aida, but for those of you who are Gigli fans, this is a must have. Recorded in 1947, this isn't Sr. Gigli at his best, but where he can't quite get up there and get the high notes, his voice has its usual richness and lyrical quality. Its also a good example of him with his usual supporting cast, and as far as recordings go this one is pretty good."

Extinct Excitement!!!

Impostazione | New York City Area | 04/28/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This Aida is the most viscerally satisfying in my experience. I have heard them all from the 1928 with Pertile up to the latest Domingo fated Aida. Born in the early 70's I never got the chance to hear such singing in person, but one's heart knows, and if you have studied Mr. Verdi, you will also know that this recording in not far off the mark.La Caniglia is riveting, sometimes flat-yes, sometimes barking-yes, sometimes whining-yes, but cold, stale, uninvolved--NEVER, and her voice does have a beautiful quality. Bechi is utterly fabulous and endlessly involved. Gigli seems uncomfortable on this recording but his voice has a lushness and an opaque color that is not only effective, but much desired. Stignani shows her usual mastery as does the rest of the cast.Mr. Serafin's conducting is heavily accented and the occasional rallentando is also effective.Very Italian, Very moving, Very real, Very authentic, Very human, and Very Verdi.Please buy it!!!!"