Aida, Metropolitan Opera 1949

Ljuba Welitsch

Just under an hour of this Aida is posted here, concentrating on the artistry of the Bulgarian soprano Ljuba Welitsch. Welitsch had made her met debut a few days before this broadcast as Salome, creating an overnight sensation in New York. Her strong powerful voice and excellent acting made a significant impression, and while reviews of her Aida were not quite so positive, with some thinking her fiery nature less suited to the character of Aida, this recording shows her to have a real command of the part. The extracts clearly focus on her, with others only featuring when she does. A complete broadcast of the opera with Welistch and Vinay exists from the following season.

Metropolitan Opera House
February 19, 1949 Matinee Broadcast


AIDA
Giuseppe Verdi--Antonio Ghislanzoni

Aida....................Ljuba Welitsch
Radamès.................Frederick Jagel
Amneris.................Margaret Harshaw
Amonasro................Frank Guarrera
Ramfis..................Jerome Hines
King....................Philip Kinsman
Messenger...............Paul Franke
Priestess...............Thelma Votipka
Dance...................Lorraine Ammerman
Dance...................Barbara Hausler
Dance...................Audrey Keane
Dance...................Elissa Minet
Dance...................Leon Varkas

Conductor...............Emil Cooper
https://rapidshare.com/files/3951712808/1949Aida.mp3