Aida Opera

AIDA

PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS

Aida was not as is often supposed ,written for the opening of the Suez Canal ( 1869 ), nor commissioned to open the new Cairo Opera House, the Opera House was opened in ( 1869 ) with Rigoletto.

Verdi did not write the opera until 1870 and the first performance in Cairo was on 24 December 1871, it was an instant success and has remained one of the most enduring popular opera ever written.

Rhadames hopes he will be given command of the Egyptian Army in order to win the heart of Aida, the Ethiopian slave with whom he has fallen in love.  He does not know that she is really the daughter of the Ethiopian king, nor that he himself is loved by Amneris, daughter of the Egyptian King.

Rhadames wish is granted and he goes to the temple to invoke the blessings of the gods on his endeavours  suspecting that Aida loves Rhadames, Amneris tricks her into admitting this and threatens to have her killed.

Rhadames returns victorious, amongst his prisoners is the Ethiopian king Amonasro, disguised as a simple soldier.    Aida recognizes her father but is begged not to reveal his identity as he implores clemency.

The Pharaoh rewards, Rhadames with his daughter's hand, while Rhadames requests the freedom of his prisoners, this is granted except for Aida and her still unidentified father who are kept as hostages.

Amneris prepares for her marriage on the banks of the sacred Nile while Rhadames and Aida secretly meet to say adieu

Amonasro attempts to persuade his daughter to extract from Rhadames the Egyptian army's plans, instead she and Rhadames plan their escape together and he, unwittingly betrays his country by telling her which pass is unguarded.  Amonasro appears and reveals his true identity.

Amneris and Ramphis have overheard the scene as Aida and her father flee, Rhadames surrenders to them

Amneris confronts Rhadames as he is taken to prison and promises to save him from being buried alive if he will renounce Aida, Rhadames refuses.  Amneris regrets her jealousy but can do nothing now to save her love from the sentence pronounced by the priests.

In his living tomb, Rhadames hears a sound and discovers Aida beside him, she has returned to share his terrible death. Amneris prays for Rhadames' peace and happiness while the two lovers glory in their love and sing farewell to life on earth.