Verdi: Aida [New York -- February 23, 1957; Antonietta Stella, Blanche Thebom, Kurt Baum, George London, Giorgio Tozzi, Louis Sgarro, James McCracken; Fausto Cleva] [Import]

Giuseppe Verdi (Composer), Fausto Cleva (Conductor), Antonietta Stella (Performer), Blanche Thebom (Performer), Kurt Baum (Performer), George London (Performer), Giorgio Tozzi (Performer), Louis Sgarro (Performer), James McCracken (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Original Release Date: 1957
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: Myto
• ASIN: B000SEL8AO
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #762,443 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

On Myto 00126; 2 CD's; A classic performance with the young Antonietta Stella, the veteran Kurt Baum, as well as Blanche Thebom, George London, Giorgio Tozzi and, as the Messenger, a youthful James McCracken. All are in fine voice, and the highly underrated Baum is quite enjoyable. Were he singing today, he would be one of the most valued tenors around. And, James McCracken's distinctive sound makes the Messenger into far more than a comprimario role. Fausto Cleva conducts!!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars THIS COULD HAVE BEEN 5 STARS BUT FOR THE TENOR!!!, February 7, 2012

By 

R. Olsavicky "Bob's thoughts" (Butler, Pa. USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Verdi: Aida [New York -- February 23, 1957; Antonietta Stella, Blanche Thebom, Kurt Baum, George London, Giorgio Tozzi, Louis Sgarro, James McCracken; Fausto Cleva] (Audio CD)

Kurt Baum,the Radames is the only reason I could not give this otherwise wonderfully sung and conducted AIDA 5 STARS. He is mediocre at best; and even that is being extremely kind. His sound is so constricted in the middle high passagio. To be fair, at times he does put out a decent high note but, that is not enough. He does absolutely no interpretation or acting with his voice. His throaty bloated vocal production will not allow it. I don't understand his use at the MET. Now, for the good stuff - The amazingly REALLY GOOD STUFF! The ladies are Spectacular!!!

Antonietta Stella is a wonderful AIDA. I'm a fan. She is just so much better and into the role than I imagined. Great high notes, floated pianissimos, regal phrasing and great vocal acting are just the basics. She totally identifies with this great role. Aida and Butterfly were probably her greatest roles according to friends of mine who have heard her live at the MET. (There is also a Magnificent UN BALLO IN MASCHERA with Carlo Bergonzi on DVD from Japan - DON'T MISS IT)! I love Blanche Thebom. She is a magnificent Amneris; it's just that I have always associated her with Wagner and THE RING! She is a very pleasant surprize as Amneris. This role has no fears or vocal demands for her splendid vocal gifts and ample technique. Fausto Cleva is very much alive on the podium and is livelier than I remember. The sound is very good broadcast Mono. Highly recommended as a second choice AIDA; with reservations only for the lackluster tenor.