Giuseppe Verdi - Aida

The Story Of The Opera

ACT I:
In ancient Egypt, near the royal palace at Memphis, Radames learns from
the high priest, Ramfis, that Ethiopia soon may bring war to the Nile valley. The
young officer hopes he will be chosen as commander of the army, envisioning
triumph so he can free his beloved Aida, Ethiopian slave of the proud Princess
Amneris. Amneris, who herself loves Radames, jealously senses his feelings
for Aida when the three meet. A procession led by the King arrives to confirm
that the Ethiopians are advancing on Thebes. He appoints the jubilant
Radames as Egyptian commander, at which shouts of victory fill the air. Left
alone, Aida is torn between her love for Radames and for her native land: though
now a slave, she is in fact the daughter of Amonasro, king of Ethiopia. She prays
to the gods for mercy. 

In the temple, as priestesses chant the praises of Ptah, priests consecrate Radames' 
sword in a sacred ritual.

ACT II:
Ethiopia has been defeated. Amneris, entertained by slaves, prepares for
Radames' triumphal entry into Thebes. When Aida approaches, the princess
dismisses her other attendants and tries to learn Aida's private thoughts, first pretending
Radames is dead, then saying he is still alive. Certain from Aida's reactions
- horror, followed by joy - that her slave loves Radames, Amneris leaves for the
festivities. Aida reiterates her prayers. 

At the city gates, victory is celebrated in parade and dance, a ceremony observed by 
the King and Amneris. Radames is borne in and crowned with a victor's wreath. Captured 
Ethiopians follow, among them Amonasro, Aida's father, who signals her not to betray his
identity as king. Impressed by Amonasro's eloquent plea, Radames asks
as his reward that the priests' death sentence on the prisoners be overruled and
that they be freed. The King grants this, as well as Amneris' hand, but keeps
Amonasro in custody.

ACT III:
On a moonlit bank of the Nile, Amneris is led by Ramfis to a temple of
Isis for a wedding vigil. Nearby, waiting for Radames, Aida is overcome with
nostalgia for her homeland. Amonasro, who suddenly appears, preys on these
feelings, forcing his daughter to agree to ask Radames where the Egyptian army
plans to enter Ethiopia. This she does when Radames appears, ardent with
dreams of their future life together. Just as he reveals the military secret,
Amanasro steps out of hiding, and Ramfis and Amneris come forth from the
temple. While Aida escapes with her father, Radames surrenders to the priests
as a traitor

ACT IV:
In a temple of Judgment, awaiting trial, Radames is unmoved by Amneris'
offer to save him if he will renounce Aida and marry her. When he is led away,
Amnells' pride dissolves, her love for Radames revealed by her agony in
hearing him condemned to death. Enraged, the princess curses the judges.
Buried alive in a crypt, Radames is joined by Aida, who has hidden there to share
his fate. The lovers bid farewell to earth as Amneris, above the tomb, prays for
peace.

CD: Giuseppe Verdi - aida cd1

01.  Preludio    [0:03:34.55]
02.  Si: corre voce che l'Etiope    [0:01:31.40]
03. Se quel guerrier io fossil    [0:04:28.72]
04. Quale insolita gioia nel tuo sguardo!    [0:02:36.58]
05. Dessa!     [0:01:25.55]
06. Ohimé! di guerra fremere    [0:02:02.57]
07. Alta cagion v'aduna    [0:01:08.55]
08.  Il sacro suolo dell' Egitto è invaso    [0:01:53.08]
09.  Su! del Nilo al sacro lido    [0:02:45.35]
10. Ritorna vincitor!    [0:07:02.07]
11. Possente, possente Fthà    [0:03:05.60]
12.  Sacred Dance of the Priestesses    [0:01:51.73]
13. Mortal, diletto ai Numi     [0:01:05.37]
14. Nume, custode e vindice    [0:04:00.50]
15. Chi mai fra gl'inni e i plausi    [0:02:58.42]
16.  Dance of the young Moorish Slaves    [0:01:25.33]
17. Vieni: sul crin ti piovano    [0:01:43.27]
18.  Fu la sorte dell'armi    [0:05:00.10]
19. Pietà ti prenda del mio dolor    [0:01:58.00]
20. Su!! del Nilo al sacro lido    [0:02:32.43]
21. Gloria all'Egitto, ad Iside    [0:04:46.32]
22. Ballet    [0:04:16.35]
23. Veini, o guerriero vindice    [0:02:02.70]
24. Salvator della patria    [0:01:13.60]
25. Concedi in pria    [0:00:41.50]
26. Che veggo!...Egli?...Mio padre!    [0:00:54.13]
27. Quest' assisa ch'io vesto vi dica    [0:00:58.62]
28.  Ma tu, Re, tu signore possente    [0:03:54.70]
29.  O Re, pei sacri Numi    [0:02:21.20]
30.  Gloria all'Eggitto, ad Iside    [0:01:10.23]
31. Fa cor: della tua patria    [0:01:45.30]

CD: Leontyne Price, Placido Domingo, London Symphony Orchestra - Aida  (Cd 2)
       YEAR: 1990

01. O Tu Che Sei D'osiride    [0:02:03.02]
02. Vieni D'iside Al Tempio    [0:02:11.58]
03. Qui Radamès Verrà!    [0:01:43.67]
04. O Patria Mia    [0:05:27.00]
05. Ciel! Mio Padre!    [0:01:14.60]
06. Rivedrai Le Foreste Imbalsamate    [0:01:40.03]
07. In Armi Ora Si Desta Il Popol Nostro    [0:02:31.05]
08. Padre! A Costoro Schiava No Sono    [0:02:38.32]
09. Pur Ti Riveggo, Mia Dolce Aida    [0:01:22.53]
10. Nel Fiero Anelito Di Una Nuova Guerra    [0:01:43.50]
11. Fuggiamo Gli Ardori Inospiti    [0:04:17.60]
12. Aida! - Tu Non M'ami    [0:00:33.37]
13. Ah No! Fuggiamo!    [0:01:35.15]
14. Ma, Dimmi    [0:00:57.55]
15. Ah No! Ti Calma, Ascoltami    [0:01:30.00]
16. Muori! - Arresta, Insano!    [0:00:58.38]
17. L'abborita Rivale A Me Sfuggia    [0:01:22.15]
18. Io L'amo, Io L'amo Sempre    [0:01:32.12]
19. Già I Sacerdoti Adunansi    [0:02:14.68]
20. Ah, Tu DêI Vivere!    [0:02:58.00]
21. Chi Ti Salva, Sciagurato    [0:01:57.37]
22. Ohimè!... Morir Mi Sento    [0:02:21.70]
23. Sprito Del Nume, Sovra Noi Discendi!    [0:01:43.23]
24. Radamès! Radamès! Radamès!    [0:03:15.00]
25. A Lui Vivo La Tomba    [0:03:17.60]
26. La Fatal Pietra Sovra Me Si Chiuse    [0:01:58.67]
27. Presago Il Core Della Tua Condanna    [0:02:07.23]
28. Vedi? Di Morte L'angelo    [0:01:43.50]
29. O Terra, Addio    [0:05:01.45]