This was such a rich topic filled with possibilities. So many great artists that I have experienced over the years popped into my erstwhile brain. If I were interpreting this as a single performance, here are two favorites:

Renato Bruson’s performance in Forza in San Francisco in 1979 with Price, Luchetti, Forst, Tavela, and Taddei:

Waltraud Meier as Amneris in Vienna in 1997 – not flawlessly sung, but so deeply compelling and utterly fascinating, and, in her Judgement Scene, a nearly earth-shattering intensity.

Then I thought, perhaps the theme means an overall favorite complete Verdi opera performance I have experienced in the opera house. I would have selected a 1975 performance of Simon Boccanegra, starring Ingvar Wixell, and Kiri Te Kanawa in a truly incandescent performance, Giorgio Merighi, and Martti Tavela:

Instead, I decided to think about what ensemble performance is the one that I listen to the most just for enjoyment, and have selected the famous 1967 Met Aïda starring Leontyne Price, Grace Bumbry, Carlo Bergonzi, Robert Merrill, Jerome Hines, Louis Sgarro, Robert Nagy, and Lilian Sukis: Thomas Schippers conducts.

From start to finish, this is the performance that conjures up a vast lexicon of emotions. Led by Price in her sometimes jaw-dropping prime, matched by Bumbry’s sensuous, imperious, regal Amneris. Carlo Bergonzi was the Verdi tenor that I most admired as a child. His Ballo recording with Price, Grist, Verrett and Merrill, was one of my favorites. His Radames is filled with line, passion, strength, and elegance. Merrill was never a favorite of mine, but in this performance, I think he is at his best. Add the luxury casting of Jerome Hines as Ramfis, and you have a performance that I still listen to regularly. This performance took place during the inaugural season of the new Met at Lincoln Center. Sometimes, I wonder if it is my go-to Aïda because it brings back my childhood, since I first heard it live from the Met on a Saturday afternoon broadcast on February 25, 1967, when I was 7 years old. Or perhaps, I just understand that some performances are made of magic.

Most of you know the performance. If you need me, I’ll just be here with a cup of tea, or something stronger, listening to it yet again.

Viva Verdi!