“But, the singing! My heavens, I thought such unabashed, full-throttle verismo emotionalism had died with the 1950s! Dinara Alieva has a wonderfully opulent soprano, a true spinto with seemingly limitless power and an absolutely free top; she could tackle any Verdi or Puccini role that comes to mind, except Turandot and perhaps Lady Macbeth. But she knows how to rein it in for emotional expression, and she fully captures Magda’s emotional vulnerability… Both he [Charles Castronovo] and Alieva have excellent diction, secure intonation, and rock-steady diaphragm support. It’s possible that some critics will object that Magda and Ruggero should be portrayed by lighter, more lyrical voices, in a lower-key more intimate manner. I can only respond that this couple is stupendous; I’ve not heard vocalism this thrillingly beautiful in years, and I literally had shivers of delight rippling up and down my spine as they poured out gleaming, golden tones.”
James A. Altena, Fanfare Magazine
“En Magda, la jeune Azerbaïdjanaise Dinara Alieva est une véritable révélation. Dotée d’un soprano crémeux à souhait, aux sublimes aigus émis pianissimo comme il se doit, elle se montre également une actrice convaincante et investie, parfaitement à l’aise sur un plateau relativement encombré.”
“As Magda, the young Azerbaijani Dinara Alieva is a veritable revelation. With a perfect and creamy soprano, she delivered an “acute” (accurate) and sublime pianissimo, just as it should be. She is also a convincing actress, who is invested and at ease.”
Pierre Degott, ResMusica
“Clothed in a number of stunning designer gowns and dresses Azerbaijani soprano Dinara Alieva gives an irresistible portrayal of Magda de Civry, mistress of Rambaldo Fernandez. The score’s most popular excerpt, Magda’s beautiful aria Che il bel sogno di Doretta appears in the opera’s first 10 minutes and Alieva doesn’t disappoint, delivering an excellent performance. The sound she produces is stylish and attractive with a glorious, smooth tone, effectively managing to harness her weighty vibrato. Comfortable throughout her high register, Alieva’s delivery of the words Che importa la ricchezza Se infine è rifiorita La felicità! (What is wealth without happiness!) sends a shiver down the spine. Alieva as the Parisian courtesan is such a convincing actress.”
Michael Cookson, Music Web International