In the 1950s and 1960s EMI made a series of what have become classics with Rome Opera forces that have Verdi in their blood. This Aida, greeted with reservations then, now seems like manna from heaven in a world starved of true Verdian voices. Above all there's Corelli's truly spinto tenor, a thrilling sound in itself, and used, as Radames (one of the most exciting on disc), with far more sensitivity than is usually allowed for. Nilsson matches Corelli in vocal bite and gets inside the character, even if she's a touch unwieldy at times. As on stage, Bumbry is an imposing, spirited Amneris, Sereni makes an above-average Amonasro and Giaiotti sounds like Pinza as Ramfis – praise can't be higher.
The young Zubin Mehta conducts with a deal of dramatic verve. The recording is excellent.