#GIUSEPPE VERDI AIDA PDF#

But two years later, Aida premièred in Cairo in December, 1871 and in Milan a few months later. With a libretto in hand, Verdi composed the music in just four months.Īs it turned out, delays beyond Verdi’s control meant that Aida was not ready for the opening of the new house - Rigoletto was performed instead. He hired a journalist, Antonio Ghislanzoni, to translate it into Italian. Mariette would end up having a significant role in Aida - overseeing designs for sets and costumes.ĭu Locle composed a French libretto, but Verdi, still burned from the difficult experience of writing Don Carlos for the Paris Opera, decided it should be in Italian. Verdi was intrigued, both by the story itself and the hand that wrote it.

As he cast around for a subject, French librettist Camille du Locle suggested a story set in Ancient Egypt, sending the veteran composer a synopsis written by the Egyptologist August Mariette Bey. In the darkness, the King’s plan, Aida’s conflicted heart and Radamès’ steadfast love collide in a devastating finale.Īccustomed to receiving commissions from Paris and Milan, Verdi must have found it refreshing to receive a request from the Khedive of Egypt for a new opera to celebrate the opening of the Khedivial Opera House. On the banks of the Nile, the lovers arrange to meet one last time.īut the conquered Ethiopian King has a plan to save his country. Just when all seems lost, the King of Egypt deals another blow: promising the triumphant Radamès his daughter Amneris’ hand. Through victory in battle, Radamès hopes to win the hand of the beautiful slave girl Aida - handmaiden to the princess Amneris, and secretly, an Ethiopian princess.Īida is torn between her love for the Egyptian hero and her despair for the country he must march against - her homeland.Īnd the Princess Amneris, who also desires Radamès, is beginning to have suspicions that her hero might prefer her slave…Īs Radamès returns to Egypt in triumph, Aida is greeted with a terrible sight - her father Amonasro, the King of Ethiopia, is among the slaves. But more importantly, Aida is a story about profound human passions, towering emotions, and passions of individuals as they face conflicts and tensions of love, honor, and duty.A rebellion is brewing on Egypt’s borders, and for both the oppressor and the oppressed, loves and loyalties are about to be tested.Įgypt needs a hero to lead their army, and the High Priest has made his choice.

Understanding and knowledge are the master keys to enhance enjoyment and appreciation of this great art form.After the premier of Verdi's 26th opera, Aida, the venerable composer commented quite humorously, 'Aida is certainly not one of my worst operas.' Aida is a grand opera spectacle achieved through a magnificent combination of a large cast that includes six major singing roles, a huge chorus and orchestra, three ballets, exotic scenery, and oriental ambience. The objective of Opera Classics Library is to unlock opera's mysteries for the general audience, and enlighten and educate.

#GIUSEPPE VERDI AIDA PDF#

Verdi s Aida by Giuseppe Verdi Book PDF SummaryĪnnotation - Engaging Commentary and Analysis about the composer, the opera and its characters.- Story Narrative with Music Highlight Examples- A complete Libretto (newly translated) that incorporates Music Highlight Examples- A Discography- A Videography- A Dictionary of Opera and Musical TermsEach Opera Classics Library edition is a comprehensive guide and complete analysis and evaluation of a specific opera each is a unique 'encyclopedia' that integrates important and pertinent information about each timeless classic.

Giuseppe verdi aida