Victoria Sladen (soprano)
Edith Coates (contralto)
James Johnston (tenor)
Gordon Clinton (baritone)
Bernard Steel (baritone)
Eileen Joyce (piano)
Royal Choral Society
BBC Symphony Orchestra
(Leader, Paul Beard )
Conductor, Sir Malcolm Sargent
From the Royal Albert Hall, London

Overture: The Bartered Bride...Smetana

7.40 app. A Song Before Sunrise...Delius

7.48 app. Piano Concerto in A minor...Grieg

8.19 app. Finale, Act 2 (Aida)... Verdi
Aida: Victoria Sladen
Amneris: Edith Coates
Rhadames: James Johnston
Amanasro: Gordon Clinton
King of Egypt and Ramphis: Bernard Steel

Eighty years ago, Verdi was asked by the Khedive of Egypt to write an opera for the opening of Cairo's new opera house. There could hardly have been a happier choice of libretto than that of Aida recalling, as it does, the glories of ancient Egypt and providing a moving and essentially human story. Verdi's eloquent music matched the splendour and pathos of the drama in every way, and Aida was a triumphant success.
Aida, an Ethiopian princess, was taken captive during one of Ethiopia's recurrent wars with Egypt. Her high rank remained undiscovered, but her beauty and gentle bearing were noticed by the Pharaoh, who gave her to his daughter Amneris, as slave. Amneris treated her more as sister than servant until she discovered that they both loved the same man, Rhadames, the captain of the Guard. The finale of the second act of the opera brings a scene of great splendour with Rhadames, head of the conquering Egyptian army, leading his warriors home in triumphal procession. Among the Ethiopian captives Aida recognises her father, the king. Rhadames pleads for the release of the prisoners. This boon is granted, but to his dismay, for he loves Aida, and to Aida's horror, a further royal favour is bestowed - he is promised the hand of Amneris.
(Harold Neden)