Not to be Missed
As the multi-faceted chandeliers begin their ascent towards the ceiling and a hush falls over the vast crowd, the audience of Verdi’s Aida must know that what they are bout to experience is an opera like none other. The anticipation builds as the luxurious velvet curtains part to reveal a different people, a different time, a different world. Verdi’s centuries old genius and talent is enough cause for coming to the opera, but add to this mixture an astonishing cast, and Aida becomes a show not to be missed.
Opera newcomers may expect an opera to be solely focused on the audio part of the performance, that is, the singing. However, the sets of Aida rival their audio component in their extravagance and their admirable structure. The famous triumphal scene in which Radames returns victorious is not only brightly lit, giving one and impression of a sunny, glorious spring day, it is also wonderfully constructed, with high thrones and troops of soldiers wearing gilded suits of armor along with their decorated equestrian comrades marching throughout. The scenery, though it is eye-catching, does not detract from the performance, which is a great feat; for the three hours of opera, the background and the singers perfectly compliment each other, keeping the audience entertained and enticed.
The audio part of the opera is obviously a major component of the show, more so in this opera than in any others. The cast, which stars Angela Brown as Aida, Franco Farina as Radames, and Dolora Zajick as Amneris, dazzles opera -goers with their wide range and tone of voices. Indeed, Ms. Brown adds a fresh perspective and a new life to Aida. Her radiant presence on stage enhances the opera and brings the night to a brilliant finish.
The great emotional content that is present in Verdi’s original opera is displayed with great tact on the great stage of the Metropolitan. Both the audio and the visual components of the show are perfectly designed and integrated, and of course, the atmosphere of the Metropolitan Opera can only add to the experience. At the close of the performance, the audience stirs in their stately velvet chairs and collects their belongings, awakening as if from a magnificent dream.