Aida 38 years old

La Scala went all out for its 1986 production of this grandest of grand operas, with a strong cast and, most important for a video recording, a larger-than-life staging. The Triumph Scene in Act II is by no means Aida's only attraction, but it is the part that makes the strongest and most lasting impression and it is the visual and musical climax of this production. Stage director Luca Ronconi brings on a procession to dwarf all processions: looted treasures, heroic statuary, miserable captives struggling under the lash of whip-bearing slave drivers. On par with these visuals is Lorin Maazel's first-class performance of the popular Grand March with the outstanding La Scala chorus and orchestra. In Act III, the contrasting tranquility of the Nile Scene also gets a visual treatment to match the music's qualities.

Credits

Aida Cast

Name Character
Lorin Maazel He was 55, 84 years old when he died as Conductor
Juan Pons He was 39, now 77 years old as Amonasro
Nicolai Ghiaurov He was 56, 74 years old when he died as Ramfis
Luciano Pavarotti He was 50, 71 years old when he died as Radamès
Paata Burchuladze He was 30, now 69 years old as Il Re
Ghena Dimitrova She was 44, 64 years old when she died as Amneris
Maria Chiara She was 45, now 84 years old as Aida

Aida Crew

Name Department
Giuseppe Verdi as Original Music Composer. He was 172 (87) years old when He died Sound
Antonio Ghislanzoni as Writer. He was 160 (68) years old when He died Writing
Lorin Maazel as Conductor. He was 55 (84) years old when He died Sound
Derek Bailey as Director. He was 55 (75) years old when He died Directing
Aida poster
Aida (38 years)

  • Release day: Friday, November 01, 1985
  • Runtime: 160 minutes