Verdi: Aida

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Cat No: 8554706

Release Date: 10 January 2000

Label: Naxos - Nxc / Naxos Classics

Packaging Type: Jewel Case

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 636943470626

Genres: Classical

Composer/Series: VERDI

Description
Giuseppe Verdi(1813-1901): Aida (Highlights)In the course of along life Giuseppe Verdi came to dominate Italian opera, after his firstsignificant success with Nabucco in 1842. His Egyptian opera Aida waswritten for performance at the new Cairo opera house, which had opened with aperformance of his opera Rigoletto. The story of the enslaved Ethiopianprincess Aida and her love for the Egyptian hero Radam?¿s, in rivalry with hermistress, the Egyptian princess Amneris, and the death of the first two, hassome basis in the Hellenistic Aethiopica of Heliodorus, but was claimedas the original work of Auguste Mariette, known as Mariette Bey. It has beensuggested that Temistocle Solera was responsible for the scenario, but if thiswas so, the fact was unknown to Verdi, who had quarrelled with Solera in 1846over the libretto of his opera Attila. The text of Aida was byAntonio Ghislanzoni. The opera was staged in Cairo on Christmas Eve 1871 and atLa Scala, Milan, in February 1872, in both places to very considerable acclaim.Synopsis[1] The opening Preludesuggests, in its themes, the conflict that will develop between Aida andthe Egyptian priests.Act I: Scene 1In a hall in thepalace of the Egyptian King at Memphis the young captain Radam?¿s is in conversationwith the High Priest, Ramfis, who hints broadly that the goddess Isis haschosen Radam?¿s to lead the Egyptian armies against the Ethiopians.[2] Left alone,Radam?¿s wonders if it can be true that he is the chosen man, fulfilling hisambition. Then he might return in triumph to his beloved Aida, whose heavenlybeauty he praises.The Egyptian princessAmneris suspects that Radam?¿s, whom she loves, is secretly in love with Aida.The King enters with his guards, ministers and priests and declares that thetime has come for war against the Ethiopians and their King, Amonasro, Aida'sfather. He appoints Radam?¿s to lead the Egyptian armies. [3] They leave for theTemple or Vulcan and Aida is left with divided feelings. She cannot wishRadam?¿s victorious against her own father and her brothers, and yet she loveshim. She cannot mention the names or her father and her lover and trembles inconfusion, for only death can end her dilemma.Scene 2[4] In the Temple orVulcan the rites are performed and priestesses carry out a sacred dance, asRadam?¿s is appointed leader or the armies, to be given his sacred sword andarmour.Act II: Scene 1[5] In a room in thequarters of Amneris slaves dance before her, singing of coming victory. Shedismisses them and is joined by Aida, whose confidence she tries to gain,tricking her into confessing her love for Radam?¿s. Amneris threatens her, inangry jealousy. [6] She orders her to accompany her at the triumphalcelebration of victory, leaving Aida to call on the gods for pity.Scene 2[7] Before the greatTemple of Ammon the people crowd around, awaiting the triumphant return of thevictors. [8] The army marches in, preceded by fanfares, passing before theKing, seated on his throne, with Amneris stand
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