Probably the best recent version available of Aida with the finest possible cast of singers and a wonderful conductor. It was previously available in deluxe casebound 3CD original version (0825646106639) which was too expensive to remanufacture. In addition the total number of CDs was reduced from 3 to 2 by combining the first two which were short. The original cover remains unchanged, but the rest of the artwork is designed according to the Home of Opera Series. 'Who needs elephants when the music sounds this good?' declared The Times of this milestone recording event in Rome with it's 'luxurious, surely never-to-be-repeated cast'. Once again proving his mastery of Italian opera, Sir Antonio Pappano moves between sumptuous grandeur and touching intimacy.