Aida

Aida is one of the grandest of all Verdi operas. It premiered December 24, 1871 in Cairo, Egypt in fulfillment of a commission from the Khedivial Opera House.

The opera is set in Old Kingdom Egypt in an era spanning 2700-2200 BC. The story lays a love triangle over the political struggle of warring Ethiopia and Egypt. The plot complications are that Radames, an Egyptian military commander and male love interest, is loved by both Aida, princess of Ethiopia, and Amneris, princess of Egypt.

As the opera opens, Aida is a captive in Egypt, but her idendity as the daughter of the Ethiopian King, Amonasro, is unknown. He has be chosen by Isis to lead the Egyptian army against the invading Ethiopians. The motivation for Amonasro's attack is to rescue Aida.

Radames prepares to lead the Egyptian army into battle and a celebration ensues. In a moment alone with Aida, Amneris seeks to confirm her suspicions that Radames and Aida are in love, and tricks Aida into such a confession.

Redames returns from battle victorious and the celebrations are the most spectacular ever seen on the opera stage. Soldiers, camels, and elephants march before the Egyptian King accompanied by the most glorious triumphal march ever created. The King grants Radames anything he desires as reward for the victory. He asks for the release and freedom of all the captured Ethiopians, slaves and soldiers alike. The King agrees and adds that Radames will be his successor and have Amneris as his queen.

On what is also planned as the wedding day for Radames and Amneris, the captives are also to be released to return to Ethiopia. But Amonasro convinces Aida to get Radames to reveal his military plans. When he shares them with Aida, Amonasro shows himself and Radames realizes his treason. Radames surrenders, Amneris pleads with Radames to fulfill the marriage and thus save himself. He refuses and is sentenced to immurement. In the tomb, Radames finds Aida hidden there. Unbeknownst to him, she has decided to die with him. Silence descends and we see Amneris atop the tomb, praying for them both.