Search - Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra: The Television Concerts, Vol. 3 : Aida - 1948-52 on DVD

Memorable

cshw | Daejeon, Korea (South) | 05/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let it be warned that, although this DVD presents a complete performance of AIDA spanning 150 minutes, it is not an opera production. The soloists sit on chairs in front of the orchestra, facing Toscanini and the audience. When the time comes for them to sing, they stand and sing. In a concert performance like this, it must be very difficult for them to get their emotion into the songs. Nevertheless, all the soloists, especially Eva Gustavson as Amneris, Herva Nelli as Aida and Giuseppe Valdengo as Amonasro, gave an excellent performance. Richard Tucker as Radames seems a little tense compared to others, yet his singing is excellet. Robert Shaw Chorale, located behind the orchestra, supports the performance with choruses when needed.

In the end, however, the highest compliment should undoubtedly go to Toscanini, who, at the age of 82, conducted the full 150 minutes straight all out of memory-no scores in front of him! He is absolutely in total command of the music. The NBC orchestra is first rate. How can it not be when the great 82 year old conductor without a score in front of him stares at you right at your nose? It is moving to see him conducting with passion and singing along at times the very opera he conducted at his debut as a conductor at the age of 19. The spectacular orchestral playing of Act II Scene II alone is a treasure to keep.

The sound quality is excellent, considering that it was recorded more than half a century ago. In black and white. No subtitles.
"

Toscanini - Aida

George R. Park | Allen, TX USA | 08/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a wonderful thing to be able to experience in a new format a musical performace that one has cherished all of their life. I have owned the LP performance of the Verdi Aida by Toscanini for 40 years and listened to it many score times.

To be able to view this performance as it was originally broadcast so many years ago is a rare treat. The artists are legendary and the sound is excellent for the time. I especially enjoyed watching Herva Nelli as Aida as she sang Ritorna Vincitor and Richard Tuckers' Celeste Aida."

Amazing look back in time at an amazing performance

M. S. Katz | Bayside, NY, USA | 10/31/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You quickly forget about the marginal black and white picture, ancient sound and arthritic camera work and see an amazing look at the energy, conviction and artistry that this man brought to this warhorse Verdi opera. The moment that sticks in my mind is at the end of the triumphal scene, after the last note, when Toscanini finally relaxes, you can appreciate just how intense was his concentration and how he had put his entire being into the performance."