Verdi opera Aida is first performed in Cairo's Khedival Theater, on December 24, 1871.
Aida is a four-act melodrama opera. Composed by Giuseppe Verdi (October 9/10, 1813 – January 27, 1901), libretto is written by Antonio Ghislanzoni, after a scenario by French Auguste Mariette and a French prose version by Camille du Locle. It was composed by Verdi between 1870-1871. The first performance was on December 24, 1871, Opera House, Cairo, Italy, and on February 8, 1872, in La Scala, Milan.
One of the most famous opera by Verdi, Aida was commissioned by Ismail Pasha, Khedive of Egypt. Production was delayed by the Franco-Prussian war and Giuseppe Verdi donated a portion of his considerable fee to the victims of the siege of Paris. Today, Aida is as popular as ever all over the world, including many recordings. Act one has some famous and best-loved scenes. Verdi did not attend this premiere.
Set in Ancient Egypt, opera Aida is a timeless tragic tale of forbidden love and betrayal against the backdrop of war. The story is a roller coaster of emotions told through Verdi's powerful music. It follows the struggle of the Ethiopian princess Aida held captive as a slave in ancient Egypt, in love with a young Egyptian warrior, General Radamès, and he with her. They need to decide between love or loyalty to their countries.
Outside of the royal palace near Memphis, Egypt's High priest Ramfis informs Radames, a young Egyptian warrior, that armies from Ethiopia are making their way towards the Nile valley. Radames expresses his hope of being appointed the commander of Egypt's army where he can lead his troops to victory, as well as rescue Aida, his Ethiopian lover captured by Egyptian troops. He is unaware, as well as the rest of Egypt, that Aida is the daughter of Amonasro, Ethiopia's king. Since her capture, Aida has served as a slave to the Egyptian princess, Amneris, who is in love with Radames, but senses he is in love with another woman. It isn't long before Amneris figures out who the mystery woman is when she sees the longing glances shared between him and Aida. Amneris maintains her composure from deep-rooted jealousy. She continues to keep Aida as her slave.
The king of Egypt arrives and announces that Ramfis' information was correct and that Ethiopian troops, lead by the King of Ethiopia himself, have already made their way into Thebes. The king appoints Radames as the leader of the army while simultaneously declaring war on Ethiopia. A joyful Radames makes way to the temple to complete his coronation ritual. Left alone in the hall, Aida becomes distraught as she is forced to choose between her Egyptian lover and her father and country.
ACT 2
Radames and his troops return from Thebes after their victorious battle. Inside Amneris' chambers, she has her slaves entertain. Doubting her suspicions of Aida and Radames, she decides to test Aida. She dismisses all of her slaves except for Aida and tells her that Radames has died in battle. Aida breaks down into tears who confesses her love for Radames, which instantly infuriates Amneris, who vows revenge.
The triumphant Radames makes his return with his army to Memphis, marching through the city while the captured Ethiopians trail behind. Aida sees her captured father and rushes to his side. He makes her promise not to reveal their true identities.
The King of Egypt, so delighted with Radames' performance, honors him by granting him anything he asks for. Before Radames can make his request, Amonasro declares that the King of Ethiopia was killed in battle and asks the Egyptian king to set them free.However, the Egyptians join in chant asking for the death of the Ethiopians and the King grants their desires. In order to save his lover's life, Radames cashes in on the King's generosity and asks him to spare their lives. The King happily grants him his request and declares Radames his successor and future husband of Princess Amneris. Aida and her father are taken into custody to prevent any Ethiopian revolt.
ACT 3
Preparations are made for the upcoming wedding between Radames and Amneris. Aida waits for Radames outside of the temple in a place previously agreed upon. Amonasro pressures her daughter Aida to find out where the Egyptian army is being kept. Feeling homesick, she agrees to her father's wishes. When Radames comes out of the temple to meet Aida, Amonrasro hides and eavesdrops on their conversation. After their lovers talk about their future lives together, Aida asks Radames where the army is located.
Amonasro comes out of hiding and reveals his identity to Radames just as Amneris and the High Priest come out of the temple. Before Aida and Amonasro escape, Aida pleads for Radames to follow them but instead,
Radames submits himself as a traitor to Amneris and the High Priest.
ACT 4
Amneris is frustrated with Radames but pleads with him to deny his self-accusations. Full of pride and love for his country, he does not. He accepts his punishment but is happy to know that Aida and her father have escaped. This hurts Amneris even more. She tells him that she will save him if he renounces his love for Aida, but again, he refuses. The High Priest and his court condemn Radames to death by being buried alive. Amneris begs for their mercy, but they do not budge.
Radames is taken to the lowest level in the temple, sealed away into a dark tomb. Moments after being locked away, he hears someone breathing in a dark corner. It is Aida. She confesses her love for him and has chosen to die with him. The two embrace as Amneris weeps above them.
Triumphal March from Verdi Opera Aida
Video Credit:
Triumphal March from Aida, uploaded by ClaudioDavidT. Accessed, Dec 26, 2011. Triumphal March from Aida by Giuseppe Verdi ; Metropolitan Opera House(1989)
Verdi: Aïda - San Francisco Opera (starring Luciano Pavarotti). YouTube, Warner Classics. Accessed April 26, 2021.
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