An Egyptian Princess I'm Not

Aida

Giuseppe Verdi

High Notes

Aida is one of two dramatic soprano roles to make this list.  Therefore, it is well suited to Callas, who is best described as a dramatic soprano.  Aida's two big numbers are "Ritorna vincitor" and "O patria mia."  "Ritorna vincitor" features B flat and "O patria mia" has a high C.  The real high note comes at the end of the triumphal scene, but it is optional.  When Mario del Monaco continually held out his high notes during a performance in Mexico City, Callas took the option of adding a high E flat that soared over the entire orchestra.  That's a diva for you. 

An opera in four acts, 2 1/4 hours
Composed in 1870 and revised in 1871
Set to a libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni after Camille du Locle's French version of a scenario by Auguste Mariette
First performed in Cairo, Egypt, Opera House, on 24 December 1871

The cast at the premiere included Antonietta Pozzoni-Anastasi (Aida), Pietro Mongini (Radames), Eleonora Grossi (Amneris), and Francesco Steller (Amonasro).

Principle Roles

• Aida, Ethiopian princess enslaved in Egypt ...................soprano
• Radames, Egyptian Captain of the Guards ..................tenor
• Amneris, Egyptian princess ............................................mezzo-soprano
• Amonasro, King of Ethiopia, Aida's father ...................baritone
• Ramfis, Chief Priest of Isis ...............................................bass
• Il Re D'Egitto, The King of Egypt, Amneris' father .....bass
• Un Messaggero, a Messenger .........................................tenor
• Una Sacerdotessa, The High Priestess ........................soprano

The Story

The Egypt of the Pharoahs is at war with Ethiopia. Aida, an Ethiopian princess, has been captured and is placed in the service of Amneris, princess of Egypt. Both girls love Radames, the Egytptian captain of the guard, but it is only Aida's love that he reciprocates. Radames is triumphant against the Ethiopians and Amonasro, King of Ethiopia and Aida's father, is captured. Radames, who only knows Amonasro as Aida's father, asks for his pardon on her behalf. Amonasro forces Aida to get Radames to reveal secrets concerning the Egyptian army. He does so and is discovered by Egyptian officials. Amonasro and Aida flee. Radames is found guilty of treason and is condemned to live burial despite Amneris' pleas to her father, the King. Radames is sealed in a tomb below the temple of Isis, where Aida is already inside waiting. The two die in each others' arms while Amneris prays for Radames' soul up above them.

Notable Incipits

• "Celeste Aida" (Radames)
• "Ritorna vincitor" (Aida)
• "O patria mia" (Aida)
• "O terra addio" (Aida & Radames)

Recommended Recordings

• Caballe (Aida), Domingo (Radames), Cossotto (Amneris)
• Callas (Aida), Tucker (Radames), Barbieri (Amneris)
• Nilsson (Aida), Corelli (Radames), Bumbry (Amneris)

Upcoming Performances

• October/November 2008 - London (English National Opera)
• March 2009 - Buenos Aires (Colon)
• May 2009 - Dresden (Staatsoper)
• June 2009 - Munich (Staatsoper)
• June 2009 - Vienna (Staatsoper)
• June/July 2009- Milan (La Scala)