MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Verdi: Aida (complete opera recorded in 1962)

"Solti motivates his account of Verdi's score with thrilling dynamism, fully displaying the music's grandeur and depth as well as deriving considerable refinement from his Roman forces. His cast is led by Leontyne Price, the Aida of her generation, her enriched soprano fleshing out the title role with heady sensuality. Opposite her, Jon Vickers is a Radames in the heroic mould, but with the character's sensitive side also to the fore in a comprehensively thought-through and superbly sung account. Rita Gorr delivers Amneris's outsize passions in the grandest manner and Robert Merrill makes a memorably complex Amonasro, observing such niceties as comforting the heartbroken Radames after his unwitting admission of Egypt's battle plan. Compelling." (BBC Music)