"Aida" has long epitomized opera at its most extravagant -- think sweeping sets, luxurious costumes and even real-live horses, an experience intended to transfix the audience with grandeur.

The Rivals of Aida! Last night was the opening of the second revival of Robert Carsen’s production of Verdi’s four-act opera Aida for the Royal Opera. This grandest of grand operas is set in ancient ...