Aida (review)

There is nothing more wonderful than seeing a theatrical event staged outside, on a warm summer evening, with fantastic scenery, props, costumes, staging, and actors. To see an opera produced in this way, with scenery built atop the hillside above and around the outdoor theatre; with live animals such as horses and elephants; ballet and singing done extraordinarily well; and a superb sound system that allows everyone in the audience to hear and enjoy the entire drama, is a treat that one is rarely able to attend in person.

The open air event each year at the Festival St. Margarethen (more information may be found at http://www.ofs.at) is such an event, and is truly a feast for both the visual and auditory senses. In 2004, the opera chosen for performance was Verdi's Aida. The recording of this event is done quite well. Besides all of the items listed above, special effects such as dry ice smokers in act 1 and the stone visage of Pharoah that is the centerpiece of the staging that splits in half during act 2 are other interesting events that enhance the performance. The dancing is magnificent, especially the priestess' scenes, where they dance in their formal gowns for the Pharoah, and later in their silky undergarments within the temple itself. In addition, a fireworks display happens during the intermission between acts 2 and 3. In the final act, when Radames is doomed to die buried alive in the temple of Vulcan, and he finds Aida within to share his fate as well, the three-tiered staging with Radames on the lower level, Aida in the middle level, and Amneris kneeling in prayer above their tomb in the upper level, along with the very dark and shadow-like lighting, is accomplished with great effect.

The DVD allows the viewer to watch the opera with or without subtitles. Lovers of opera, and Verdi's operas in particular, will want to add this DVD to their collection.