Aida (Arabic: عايدة, an Arabic female name meaning "visitor" or "returning"; a Swahili, female name meaning "reward") is an opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni, based on a scenario written by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette (although there are scholars who argue that the scenario was really written by Temistocle Solera). Arabic (ar الْعَرَبيّة (informally ar عَرَبيْ) in terms of the number of speakers is the largest living member of the Semitic language Swahili (called Kiswahili in the language itself is the First language of the Swahili people (Waswahili who inhabit several large stretches Opera is an art form in which Singers and Musicians perform a Dramatic work (called an opera which combines a text (called a Libretto Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest A libretto is the text used in an extended Musical work such as an Opera, Operetta, Masque, sacred or secular Oratorio and Antonio Ghislanzoni ( 25 November 1824 &ndash July 16 1893) was an Italian Journalist, Poet, and The French scholar and archaeologist François Auguste Ferdinand Mariette ( February 11, 1821 &ndash January 19, 1881) was the foremost Temistocle Solera ( December 25, 1815 &ndash April 21, 1878) was an Opera composer and librettist ^[1] It was first performed at the Khedivial Opera House in Cairo on December 24, 1871 under the baton of Giovanni Bottesini. The Khedivial Opera House or Royal Opera House ( Arabic: دار أوبرا الخديوي) was the original opera house in Cairo, Egypt Cairo () which means "the Vanquisher" or "the Triumphant" is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Events 563 - The Byzantine church Hagia Sophia in Constantinople is dedicated for the second time after being destroyed by Earthquakes Year 1871 ( MDCCCLXXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Giovanni Bottesini ( December 22, 1821 - July 7, 1889) was an Italian Romantic Composer, conductor

Background

Ismail Pasha, Khedive of Egypt, commissioned Verdi to write the opera for performance in January 1871, paying him 150,000 francs, but the premiere was delayed because of the Franco-Prussian War. Isma'il Pasha, known as Ismail the Magnificent (إسماعيل باشا ( December 31, 1830 &ndash March 2, 1895) was Wāli For the HMS Khedive, see ''USS'' Cordova. Khedive (from Persian for "lord" was a title first This article is about the country of Egypt For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Egypt topics. The Franco-Prussian War or Franco-German War, often referred to in France as the 1870 War ( 19 July, 1870 — 10 May, 1871 Contrary to popular belief, the opera was not written to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, nor that of the Khedivial Opera House (which opened with Verdi's Rigoletto) in the same year. The Suez Canal is a Canal in Egypt. Opened in 1869 it allows Water transportation between Europe and Asia without circumnavigation Year 1869 ( MDCCCLXIX) is a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Rigoletto is an Opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi. The Italian Libretto was written by Francesco Maria Piave based ^[2] Verdi had been asked to compose an ode for the opening of the Canal, but refused on the grounds that he did not write "occasional pieces. "

Aida met with great acclaim when it finally opened in December 1871, and it continues to be a staple of the standard operatic repertoire. It appears as number sixteen on Opera America's list of the 20 most-performed operas in North America. Opera America, officially OPERA America, is a service organization in North America promoting the creation presentation and enjoyment of Opera. ^[3] There are many recordings, and it is one of the most popular operas.

Its story, but not its music, has been used as the basis for a 1998 musical of the same name written by Elton John and Tim Rice. Aida is a musical drama in two acts based on Giuseppe Verdi 's Italian-language opera by the same name which is based on a story by Auguste Mariette Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop / rock Singer, Composer Sir Timothy Miles Bindon Rice (born 10 November 1944 is an English Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Tony Award and Grammy Award

The opera has been adapted for motion pictures on several occasions, most notably in a 1953 production which starred Lois Maxwell and Sophia Loren, and a 1987 Swedish production. Aida is a 1953 Italian film version of the opera Aida by Giuseppe Verdi. Lois Maxwell ( 14 February 1927 &ndash 29 September 2007) was a Canadian Actress, known for originating the role of Sophia Loren (born September 20 1934 is an Academy Award winning Italian film actress born Sofia Villani Scicolone Aida is a 1987 Swedish movie directed by Claes Fellbom. The film is based on Giuseppe Verdi 's Opera, Aida In both cases, the lead actors lip-synched to recordings by actual opera singers.

Roles

Synopsis

The "triumphal scene" from Opera Pacific's production of Aida in 2006, starring Angela Brown as Aida, Donnie Ray Albert as Amonasro, Andrew Gangestad as Ramfis, Carl Tanner as Radames, Milena Kitic as Amneris, and Stefan Szkafarowsky as King of Egypt. Giovanni Bottesini ( December 22, 1821 - July 7, 1889) was an Italian Romantic Composer, conductor This article is related to a series of articles under the main article Voice type. This article is related to a series of articles under the main article Voice type. The tenor is the highest male voice within the Modal register, just above the Baritone voice This article is related to a series of articles under the main article Voice type. Opera Pacific is an Opera company located in the Orange County California city of Santa Ana. Angela M Brown (born 1964 is an African- American Dramatic soprano particularly admired for her portrayal of Verdi heroines WikipediaWikiProject Opera#Infoboxes and WikipediaWikiProject Musicians/Infobox --> Carl Tanner (born WikipediaWikiProject Opera#Infoboxes --> Milena Kitic (Милена Китић

Overview: Aida, an Ethiopian princess, is captured and brought into slavery in Egypt. A military commander, Radames, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. Pharaoh is the title given in modern parlance to the ancient Egyptian kings of all periods To complicate the story further, Radames is loved by the Pharaoh's daughter Amneris, although he does not return the feeling.

Act 1

Scene 1: A hall in the King's palace; through the rear gate the pyramids and temples of Memphis

Ramfis, the high priest of Egypt tells Radames, the young warrior, that war with the Ethiopians seems inevitable, and Radames expresses the hope that he be chosen as the Egyptian commander. (Ramfis, Radames : Si, corre voce I'Etiope ardisca).

Radames dreams both of gaining victory on the battle field and of Aida, the Ethiopian slave, with whom he is secretly in love (Radames: Se quel guerrier io fossi!...Celeste Aida - "Heavenly Aïda"). Celeste Aida ("Heavenly Aida" is the Romanza in the opera Aida, by Giuseppe Verdi. Aida, who is also secretly in love with Radames, is the captured daughter of the Ethiopian King Amonasro, but her Egyptian captors are unaware of her true identity. Her father has invaded Egypt to deliver her from servitude.

Amneris, the daughter of the Egyptian King enters the hall. She too loves Radames, but fears that his heart belongs to somebody else (Radames, Amneris: Quale insolita giola nel tuo sguardo - "In thy visage I trace").

Then Aida appears and, when Radames sees her, Amneris notices that he looks disturbed. She suspects that Aida could be her rival, but she is able to hide her jealousy and approaches her (Amneris, Aida, Radames: Vieni, o diletta, appressati).

The King enters, along with the High Priest, Ramfis, and the whole palace court. A messenger announces that the Ethiopians, led by King Amonasro, are marching towards Thebes. The King declares war and also proclaims Radames to be the man chosen by the goddess Isis as leader of the army (The King, Messenger, Radames, Aida, Amneris, chorus: Alta cagion v'aduna - "Oh fate o'er Egypt looming"). Upon receiving the mandate from the King, Radames proceeds to the temple of Vulcan to take up the sacred arms (The King, Radames, Aida, Amneris, chorus: Su! del Nilo al sacro lido - "On! Of Nilus' sacred river, guard the shores").

Alone in the hall, Aida is torn between her love for her father, her country, and Radames. (Aida: Ritorna vincitor - "Return a conqueror").

Scene 2: Inside the Temple of Vulcan

Solemn ceremonies and dances by the priestesses take place (High Priestess, chorus, Radames: Possente Ftha. . . Tu che dal nulla - "O mighty Ptha. ") followed by the installation of Radames to the office of commander-in-chief. (High Priestess, chorus, Radames: Immenso Ftha . . Mortal, diletto ai Numi - "O mighty one, guard and protect!"). All present in the temple pray for the victory of Egypt and protection for their warriors (Nume, custode e vindice).

Act 2

Scene 1: In Amneris chamber

Dances and music to celebrate Radames' victory take place (Chorus, Amneris: Chi mai fra gli inni e i plausi - "Our songs his glory praising"'). However, Amneris is still in doubt about Radames' love and wonders whether Aida is in love with the young warrior. She tries to forget her doubt, entertaining her worried heart with the dance of Moorish slaves (Chorus, Amneris: Vieni: sul crin ti piovano).

When Aida enters the chamber, Amneris asks everyone to leave. By falsely telling Aida that Radames has died in the battle, she tricks her into professing her love for him. In grief, and shocked by the news, Aida confesses that her heart belongs to Radames eternally (Amneris, Aida: Fu la sorte dell' armi a' tuoi funesta).

This confession fires Amneris with rage, and she plans on taking revenge on Aida. Ignoring Aida's pleadings, (Amneris, Aida, chorus: Su! del Nilo al sacro lido) Amneris leaves her alone in the chamber.

Scene 2: The grand gate of the city of Thebes

Radames returns victorious and the troops march into the city (Chorus, Ramfis: Gloria all'Egitto, ad Iside - "Glory to Egypt, to Isis!"). The Egyptian king decrees that on this day the triumphant Radames may have anything he wishes. The Ethiopian captives are rounded up and Amonasro appears among them. Aida immediately rushes to her father, but their true identities are still unknown to the Egyptians. Amonasro declares that the Ethiopian king (he himself) has been slain in battle. Aida, Amonasro and the captured Ethiopians plead with the Egyptian King for mercy, but the Egyptians call for their death (Aida, Amneris, Radames, The King, Amonasro, chorus: Che veggo! . . Egli? . . Mio padre! . . Anch'io pugnai).

As his reward from the King, Radames pleads with him to spare the lives of the prisoners and to set them free. Gratefully, the King of Egypt declares Radames to be his successor and to be his daughter's betrothed (Aida, Amneris, Radames, The King, Amonasro, chorus: O Re: pei sacri Numi! . . Gloria all'Egitto). Aida and Amonasro remain as hostages to ensure that the Ethiopians do not avenge their defeat.

Act 3

On the banks of the Nile, near the Temple of Isis

Prayers are said (Chorus, Ramfis, Amneris: O tu che sei d'Osiride - "O thou who to Osiris art. . . ") on the eve of Amneris and Radames' wedding in the Temple of Isis. Outside, Aida waits to meet with Radames as they had planned (Aida: Qui Radames verra . . O patria mia - "Oh, my dear country!").

Amonasro appears and forces Aida to agree to find out the location of the Egyptian army from Radames (Aida, Amonasro: Ciel, mio padre! . . Rivedrai le foreste imbalsamate - "Once again shalt thou gaze. "). When he arrives, Amonasro hides behind a rock and listens to their conversation.

Radames affirms that Aida is the person he will marry ( Pur ti riveggo, mio dolce Aida . . Nel fiero anelito ; Fuggiam gli ardori inospiti . . La, tra foreste vergini ), and Aida convinces him to flee to the desert with her.

In order to make their escape easier, Radames proposes that they use a safe route without any fear of discovery and he also reveals the location where his army has chosen to attack. Upon hearing this, Amonasro comes out of hiding and reveals his identity. Radames feels dishonored. At the same time Amneris and Ramfis leave the temple and, seeing Radames with their enemy, call the guards. Amonasro and Aida try to convince Radames to escape with them, but he refuses and surrenders to the imperial guards (Radames, Aida, Amonasro, Amneris, Ramfis: Aida! Tu non m'ami! . . Va'!).

Act 4

Scene 1: A hall in the Temple of Justice. To one side is the door leading to Radames' prison cell

Giuseppe Di Stefano as Radames. Giuseppe Di Stefano ( 24 July 1921 &ndash 3 March 2008) was an Italian Operatic Tenor whose career lasted from the late

Amneris ( L'aborrita rivale a me sfuggia - "My hated rival has escaped me") desires to save Radames. She calls for the guard to bring him to her.

She asks Radames to deny the accusations, but Radames refuses. Certain that, as punishment, he will be condemned to death, Amneris implores him to defend himself, but Radames firmly refuses. He is relieved to know Aida is still alive and hopes she has reached her own country (Amneris, Radames: Gia i Sacerdoti adunasi). His decision hurts Amneris.

Radames' trial takes place offstage; he does not reply to Ramfis' accusations and is condemned to death, while Amneris, who remains onstage, pleads with the priests to show him mercy. As he is sentenced to be buried alive, Amneris curses the priests while Radames is taken away (Judgment scene, Amneris, Ramfis, and chorus: Ohime! . . morir mi sento - "Heavenly spirit, descend").

Scene 2: The lower portion of the stage shows the vault in the Temple of Vulcan; the upper portion represents the temple itself

Radames has been taken into the lower floor of the temple and sealed up in a dark vault. Thinking that he is alone and hoping that Aida is in a safer place, he hears a sigh and then sees Aida. She has hidden herself in the vault in order to die with Radames. (Radames and Aida: La fatal pietra sovra me si chiuse. . - "The fatal stone now closes over me. ") They accept their terrible fate (Radames: "To die, so pure and lovely") and bid farewell to earth and its sorrows.

Above the vault in the temple of Vulcan, Amneris weeps and prays to the goddess Isis. In the vault below, Aida dies in Radames' arms. (Chorus, Aida, Radames, Amneris: Immenso Ftha - "Almighty Ptha. ")

Footnote: The original draft included a speech by Aida (excised from the final version) that explained her presence beneath the Temple: "My heart knew your sentence. For three days I have waited here. " The line most familiar to audiences translates as: "My heart forewarned me of your condemnation. In this tomb that was opened for you I entered secretly. Here, away from human sight, in your arms I wish to die. "

^[5]

Selected recordings

Note: "Cat:" is short for catalogue number by the label company

Media

Notes

References

• Simon, Henry W. (1946). A Treasury of Grand Opera. Simon and Schuster, New York, NY.  
• The Victrola Guide to the Opera, 6th edition.

External links

• Opera Guide Synopsis - Libretto - Highlights
• Classics for Kids - The Story of Aida (synopsis with musical examples)
• Opera in a nutshell" Soundfiles (MIDI)
• Complete libretto of the opera or (alternative location)
• Score
• Creative Commons MP3 Recording
• Aria Database list of arias
• Further Aida discography