Aida
Story & Setting:
Aida was born through a commission by the ruler of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, who asked Verdi to compose an opera inspired by his country’s history. The story follows a forbidden love affair between a captured Nubian princess and her country’s rival military commander. Both must struggle with the decision to choose love for each other over duty to their respective countries.
Opera Notes:
Aida is grand opera at its finest. The famed triumphal march that opens the second act is not to be missed and includes horses and ballet dancers. Composed in Verdi’s “late period,” this opera was a refusal of the composer to adhere to the new Wagnerian ideas about music and drama, and maintained the traditions of Italian operatic ideals: rich melodies, profound vocalism, and melodrama.
Sung in
Italian
Length:
3 hours & 45 minutes
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
Watch/Listen
"Gloria all'Egitto"
Current Met Opera Production
"O patria mia" (Leontyne Price)
Current Met Production