There may be no elephants in the room, but plenty of rotting bodies are hanging around when the Egyptians trumpet their triumph having routed the Ethiopians. David McVicar’s reality production is thrilling. Spectacle abounds, including vibrant, swordswinging choreography.
With the love-triangle of Aida (Ethiopian slave-girl), madly devoted Radames (Egyptian army captain) and Amneris (daughter of the Egyptian king, with designs on Radames) central to the story, cue divided loyalties, jealousy and revenge. Liudmyla Monastyrska (last-minute casting) is terrific in the title role. Her fearless, full-range singing and vivid portrayal would steal the show were it not for Roberto Alagna’s ardent Radames and Olga Borodina’s imperious Amneris. Fabio Luisi conjures all Verdi’s orchestral colours and adds a dramatic edge to many subtle characterisations.
If the final scene – Aida and Radames entombed but faithful – lacks deaththroe claustrophobia and even adds a distracting third party, this really is grand opera staged with power and beauty.