The cast is headed by Placido Domingo, who in 1972 when this production was recorded, was rounding into form as one of the outstanding tenors of his generation. Pavarotti may have become more renowned then Domingo, but that didn't stop him from being his equal as a vocalist. Domingo is convincing and persuasive as the newly promoted General of the Pharaoh's armies.

Aida is performed by one of the lesser known sopranos of the day, Martina Arroyo, but what I liked about her performance was her ability to play the role of the character. This is something few opera singers have the capacity to attempt while delivering on all the musical requirements.

But an opera lives and dies with its conductor, and it's the presence of Claudio Abbado and the orchestra of The La Scala opera house elevates this production several notches above any other you might hear. Not only does he know when to reign in his singers, but he also knows just the right moments to give them their heads and let loose.

He is able to pace the opera in such a manner that by the end when the lovers Aida and General Radames are signing of their undying love while awaiting execution, they have enough left in the tank to sound as fresh and strong as they did in the first act. A conductor who lets a singer reach his or her zenith too early in a production sets up the rest of the opera to be a disappointment.

Of course to have that kind of control, one must understand the numerous intricacies of both the libretto and the score if he is going to make it work. Abbado seems to have been weaned on this opera, so smooth and seamless are all the transitions from moment to moment and scene to scene.

Aida may be one of the more popular and well known of the major operas, but that doesn't mean it is easy to come by a recording of quality. Opera D'oro has released a beautifully performed, masterly conducted and lovingly recorded live version that will supplant any existing recording in your collection.