Scene I : The Hall in the palace of the King at Memphis
Scene 2 : In the Temple of Vulcan at
Memphis
Cast
Conductor, VINCENZO BELLEZZA
Chorus Master, ROBERT AINSWORTH from the Royal Opera House, Covent
Garden
Aida is one of the most melodious and genial of all Verdi's operas. It was commissioned by the Khedive of Egypt who wanted an opera of exceptional splendour to display the resources of his fine theatre at Cairo. Thus Verdi chose a subject that centred round Pharaoh's brilliant court, which was carried out by three collaborators. In style Aida, which was first performed in December, 1871, may be considered transitionary in that it both conforms to the conventions of Verdi's earlier operas, yet at the same time, particularly in the third act, anticipates the later style of Otello and Falstaff.
In Act I Ramphis, High Priest of'the Egyptians, tells Radames that it is decreed that he shall lead the army against the Ethiopians. Radames is deeply in love with Aida, daughter of the Ethiopian king, Amonasro, but now captive at the Egyptian Court. Amneris, the Egyptian Princess, also loves Radames, and finding him indifferent towards her, watches him and Aida. The rest of the act is concerned with the investiture and consecration of Radames as Commander.