Giuseppe Verdi, "Aida" (opera): a summary

Opera Verdi "Aida" is one of the most famous and popular works of musical theatrical art. It has an interesting story of creation and an entertaining story. Although the summary of the opera "Aida" presented in this article does not convey all the details of what is happening on stage during its productions, it will help to better understand this performance for those who are going to see it for the first time.

History of creation

In 1868, the Egyptian government decided to order the opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Her premiere on the stage of the newly-built Opera House in Cairo was to be part of the festivities on the occasion of the opening of the Suez Canal. Because of employment the composer long delayed with the answer, and only two years later started to write "Aida".

The short script that Verdi proposed as the basis for this work was written by the French Egyptologist Mariette, who at that time lived in Cairo. He decided to use the legend, which he read, deciphering the ancient papyrus found in one of the tombs.

She talked about the struggle of the pharaohs against Nubia (Ethiopia), which lasted several decades. In addition, Mariott painted several drawings based on the frescos he had found. They were later used to make sets and costumes for the premiere and subsequent productions. Based on the script of Mariott, C. du Locle wrote a prose narration of the plot of the action of the play "Aida" (opera). The libretto, the summary of which is presented below, required further development, since the arias were to be written in verse.

Antonio Gislanzoni

Everyone knows that one of the most notable works of Giuseppe Verdi is the opera Aida. In this case, the name of Antonio Gislanzoni, who created her libretto, is familiar only to specialists. It is interesting that this man, being the owner of a pleasant baritone and undoubted literary talent, could not find a job for himself for a long time. Having changed a lot of professions, only by the age of 30 he became an employee of the Milanese musical edition of Italia musicale, which was later headed. Along with this, he wrote several novels dedicated mainly to the theater. Being a big fan of opera, Antonio Gislanzoni was interested in writing the libretto. His most famous work was the opera "Aida" (you can retell it in a couple of minutes). In addition, he owns another 80 libretto.

A few words about Verdi

Although the topic of this article is "Aida" (opera): a short summary "- we should say a few words about the great composer who created this musical masterpiece.

Giuseppe Verdi is the author of many works that are popular all over the world. Admittedly, his work can be considered the greatest achievement of world opera art, as well as the culmination of the Italian opera of the 19th century. The best works of the composer are "Ball-masquerade", "Troubadour", "Rigoletto" and "La Traviata". However, in the opinion of critics and connoisseurs, the top of Verdi's work is his last operas, Othello, Aida and Falstaff. It is known that the composer was very picky about the choice of the plot of the libretto and took only those scenarios that allowed him to show his talent as much as possible.

"Aida" (opera), a summary of which will be presented later, was written by him only after he read the sketch in Locke's prose. The composer was interested in the plot, inspired by an ancient legend, written on papyrus, hidden in a tomb. He took up his work and created an immortal musical work, which today has many admirers.

The summary of the opera "Aida": the first act

The high priest of the god Fta and the chief of the guard Radames talk about the attack of barbarians on the border regions of the country. The young commander is overwhelmed by the desire to become the head of the Egyptian army and lead a campaign against the Ethiopians who have invaded the country. In case of victory, not only fame and honor awaits him, but also the opportunity to ask his master for freedom for the slave Aida, whom he has long been in love with.

Radames's dreams are interrupted by the daughter of Pharaoh Amneris. She dreams of winning the heart of the chief of the palace guard and suffering because of his coldness. Aida comes in. She exchanges a passionate glance with Radames, which does not escape the attention of Amneris. The princess, tormented by jealous doubts, is plotting to punish her slave rival.

On the square in front of the palace appears the pharaoh and his retinue. A messenger comes up to him, who tells that the lands in the south-east of the country are ruined by the army of barbarians led by the Ethiopian king Amonasro. Aida is horrified at hearing her father's name.

Pharaoh announces to the people the will of the goddess Isis, according to which troops directed against the invaders must lead into the battle of Radames. Aida realizes that soon her lover and father will converge on the battlefield as opponents and, possibly, will perish at the hands of each other.

The girl prays the gods for death, because she does not want to be a witness to the death of neither one nor the other.

In the temple of Ft, the priests perform the rite of human sacrifice and hand Radames the sword that was stained with the blood of the Ethiopian.

The plot of the opera Aida: a brief summary of the second action (the first picture)

Amneris looks forward to the return of Radames. Young Egyptian aristocrats gathered in the chambers of the princess. To satisfy their anger, they kill a captive black Ethiopian. Aida comes in. Having seen her, the princess again experiences the torments of jealousy. To make sure of his suspicions, Amneris informs Aida that Radames was killed. The girl does not hide her grief, and the angry daughter of the pharaoh threatens her with a terrible punishment.

The second picture (1st act)

On the square in Thebes, the people are enthusiastically greeted by Egyptian troops. A march from the opera Aida sounds. The captives pass before the king and his retinue. Among the Ethiopian slaves, Aida recognizes her father, Amonasro. He asks the daughter to pretend that she does not know him, and tells Pharaoh that he is allegedly one of the soldiers of the Ethiopian leader who died on the battlefield. Amonsaro, along with other captives, implore the King of Egypt for mercy and mercy. Seeing the tears of his beloved, Radames asks Pharaoh to release the Ethiopian captives. The ruler of Egypt decides to leave as hostages only Aida and Amonsaro and informs about his decision to give his daughter to his wife Radames. Amneris triumphs, and the military leader and his lover understand that they will never be together.

The third action

The princess prepares to marry Radames. Together with the servants and the chief priest, she goes to the temple. There she prays the gods, so that the bridegroom loves her as much as she loves him.

At this time on the banks of the Nile, Aida awaits Radames. She decides to rush into the river if the lover says that they need to part. The girl with anguish recollects about the native land where it hardly ever can get.

Amonasro appears instead of Radames. He says that he learned about the daughter's love for his arch-enemy and demands that Aida find out from Radames the route of the Egyptian army, which is going to punish the Ethiopians.

Aida in terror refuses, and enraged Amonasro curses her, calling the slave of the pharaohs, who betrayed her homeland, blood and people. Tortured by the reproaches of his father, the girl promises to help him.

Appears Radames, he hopes to return again with a victory and ask for Aida in reward. This intention he could not fulfill after the first campaign, since he had to beg mercy from Pharaoh for Amonasro and the captured Ethiopians.

All his hopes are shattered when Aida reports that she can be happy only if he agrees to flee with her to Ethiopia. She learns from Radames the way that the army of the Egyptians must pass. Their conversation overhears Amonasro. He comes out of hiding and tells Radames that he is Aida's father. The Egyptian commander is horrified, as he realizes that he has become a traitor. The Ethiopian persuades him to flee with him and his daughter. At that moment Amneris, the high priest and servants, enters. Amonasro runs away, carrying Aida with him. Radames is arrested, since he does not deny that he has opened a military secret to the enemy.

After that, he, the priests, Amneris and other characters of the play "Aida" (opera), the brief content of the first three acts of which you know, go to Memphis.

Step Four

Further the libretto of the work "Aida" (opera), the brief content of the previous paintings of which you already know, talks about the preparation of the trial of Radames.

In prison, Amneris comes to the former bridegroom, imploring him to admit guilt. She promises to save his life if he refuses from Aida. However, Radmes says that love is more precious to him than honor and life. Amneris threatens Radames with vengeance, and at the same time prays the gods for his salvation.

The High Priest pronounces a verdict. According to his decision, the traitor will be buried alive under the altar of the god Fta.

Hearing that Radames must die a painful death, Amneris curses the priests.

Before his death, Radames surrenders to dreams of Hades. Suddenly, Aida appears, who entered the dungeon to die with Radames.

The singing of the priests comes. Slaves walled in the entrance to the dungeon. In the last picture, which ends "Aida" (opera), over the stone that closes the entrance to the dungeon, Amneris prays the gods for peace and quiet.

Music (1-2 actions)

The main feature of the works of opera is that melodies are used as a tool for conveying emotions, creating the right atmosphere, etc. In any production of the play "Aida" (opera), the content of which you already know, it can be viewed, to some extent, as one more actor. In addition, many arias, romances and marches are now performed as separate concert numbers. Among them:

• Orchestral introduction, in which the composer summarized the main conflict of the drama. For this purpose, a fragile melody of violins is used, creating the image of a loving, feminine Aida and a formidable melody chosen for the priests. She captures the whole orchestra, but in the end concedes the theme of love.
• Romans Radames "Sweetheart Aida", which is accompanied by a gentle solo of woodwinds and expresses the feelings of the young military leader to the unfortunate slave.
• Terzet Radames, Amneris and Aida, conveying the disturbing moods and confusion of all three heroes.
• Solemn march "To the banks of the sacred Nile," expressing the power of Egypt.
• Aida's solo part "Come back with a victory for us", which conveys the heroine's spiritual struggle and ends with the prayer "My Gods".
• The choir of priests, which begins with the words "Gods, give victory to us". He invariably makes a great impression on the audience. This number is completely different from the next transparent choir of the servants of the daughter of the pharaoh, who is interrupted by Amneris' passionate remarks. To emphasize the atmosphere of the female half of the royal palace, the audience is shown the dance of Moorish slaves.
• The unfolded duet of Aida and Amneris represents a dramatic clash of these heroines. In it, powerful, proud melodies, performed by the daughter of the pharaoh, are contrasted with the mournful remarks of the Ethiopian slave. The central section of the duet, in which the unfortunate begs for farewell, expresses the loneliness and desperation of the heroine.
• The march of the people of Memphis, the anthem of the priests and the dance with jewels are used to represent the people's rejoicing.
• Aria Amonasro characterizes the king of the Ethiopians, who passionately expresses his love for life.

Music (3-4 actions)

Orchestral introduction through transparent, quivering melodies recreates the atmosphere of the Egyptian night. Sounds the romance of Aida "The sky is blue and the air is pure", in which the voice part is intertwined with the play of the oboe. Next comes the duet of Aida and her father. During this number, the initial soulful melody is replaced by the militant, violent melody of the curse of the Ethiopian commander.

The duet of Aida and Radames is a fusion of strong-willed, heroic sentiments of the hero warrior and appeals of his sad lover, which are accompanied by a dreary hymn of the oboe.

In the first picture of the 4th act, the central place belongs to Amneris. In 2 large scenes reveals the spiritual world of the princess of Egypt, embraced by love, jealousy and a thirst for revenge. Further, Amneris and Radames perform a gloomy and tragic duet.

Decoupling of the plot of the opera comes in the scene of the trial of Radames. Verdi combined the harsh theme of the priests and the impassive chorus, dull from the dungeon. They are confronted by the full sorrow of Aida's replica, praying "Gods, pity" and the menacing sounds of the verdict.

The most beautiful and memorable musical number of the opera is the farewell duet of Aida and Radames, which is full of enlightened and air melodies.

Now you know how the opera Verdi "Aida" was created. The summary of the libretto is also known to you, and you will be able not only to enjoy the performance of the parties of this work with the stars of the first magnitude, but also to understand what they are singing and what emotions are trying to convey to the audience.