G. Verdi: Aida (Tebaldi, Campora, Stignani, Bechi, Neri) 1953

Aida - Renata Tebaldi
Radamès - Giuseppe Campora
Amneris - Ebe Stignani
Amonasro - Gino Bechi
Ramphis - Giulio Neri
Il Re di Egitto - Endico Formichi

Giuseppe Morelli
RAI 1953

Il Mattino, 8th March 1953: "As a singer and actress maintained the highest level of her (Aida) performances and in some places bettered herself in the subtlety of her psychological insight and in the flexibility and splendor of her phrasing. Standing ovations for Renata Tebaldi and Stignani (the latter two enthusiastically applauded after the dramatic duet in the second act".

In her second studio Aida recording for RAI, Renata Tebaldi gives a different reading compared to her first Decca performance. It's fascinating to hear the subtle differences in the phrasing. What remains the same, is the ideal balance that her instrument and technique offer: Powerful enough for the ensembles, soft and sweet for the lyrical moments and appropriately dramatic when required. I think the fact she was recording for the soundtrack of a film, made her approach the role differently this time. There are many cuts but the interpretation is as vibrant as a complete performance of the score. Giuseppe Campora proves to be a wonderful Radames. Just as lyrical as Bergonzi but with more vigor, if not the military thrust of Del Monaco. His two scenes with Tebaldi's ideal Aida are gorgeous. Stignani sounds somewhat more youthful here than for Decca. Gino Bechi is like the older brother of Tito Gobbi, rough and ready. Neri completes a stellar Italian cast, typical of an exciting Aida one could see on stage the 50s. Of particular importance is the clarity of their diction and vowels. No word is compromised. Morelli offers routine but efficient conducting.

Despite the cuts I find this recording deserves special mention alongside the great Aida recordings of the last century.