Aida

Story

Synopsis

La Scala went all out for its 1986 production of this grandest of grand operas, with a strong cast and, most important for a video recording, a larger-than-life staging. The Triumph Scene in Act II is by no means Aida's only attraction, but it is the part that makes the strongest and most lasting impression and it is the visual and musical climax of this production. Stage director Luca Ronconi brings on a procession to dwarf all processions: looted treasures, heroic statuary, miserable captives struggling under the lash of whip-bearing slave drivers. On par with these visuals is Lorin Maazel's first-class performance of the popular Grand March with the outstanding La Scala chorus and orchestra. In Act III, the contrasting tranquility of the Nile Scene also gets a visual treatment to match the music's qualities.

Directors

Luca Ronconi, Derek Bailey

Writers

Antonio Ghislanzoni

Language

Italian

Country

Italy

Release date

1 November 1985

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Maria Chiara

  Aida

• 

  Luciano Pavarotti

  Radamès

• Ghena Dimitrova

  Amneris

• 

  Nicolai Ghiaurov

  Ramfis

• 

  Juan Pons

  Amonasro

• 

  Paata Burchuladze

  Il Re

• 

  Ernesto Gavazzi

  A messenger

• Francesca Garbi

  Priestess

• 

  Giulio Bertola

  Chorus Master

• 

  Lorin Maazel

  Conductor

• Orchestra della Scala