If you like to indulge in the grandest of the grand operas, Verdi's passionate portrayal of love in ancient Egypt is for you.
Imagine walking in Aida's shoes (or sandals!). As a low-born slave, you find yourself caught between a rock and a hard place. Should you side with your handsome and powerful lover, a general with the Royal household? Or do you remain loyal to your family roots, and protect your father who is leading a rebellion against the King? And what to do about the pesky Princess who has her eye on the very man you love? That's your predicament to ponder as you follow the story of Aida, in the Metropolitan Opera Radio Broadcast season.
Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Aida was written for the opening of the Cairo Opera House, and premiered there in 1871. The composer missed the debut though, as he was already overseeing rehearsals for the work's Italian premiere at La Scala in Milan. Critics at both openings were lukewarm, but the public loved the spectacle, the rousing choruses, the memorable melodies and the whole sense of pomp and circumstance.
Plus, of course, there's the love story. Starring in the Met's production of this evergreen opera is Violeta Urmana as Aida, the enslaved Ethiopian princess. Tenor Marcello Giordani sings the role of the heroic general Radamès, and mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe is the Egyptian princess Amneris, Aida’s rival. Lado Ataneli portrays Aida’s rebellious father, Amonasro, and James Morris is Ramfis, high priest of the Egyptians. The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra is led by Marco Armiliato.
You'll find a synopsis online at the Met's website. For more great listening visit cbcmusic.ca, and explore the operatic channel, one of ten classical streams available whenever and wherever you are.
Saturday Afternoon at the Opera, with host Bill Richardson
Saturday, March 3, 2012, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. (2:00 - 6:00 AT, 2:30 6:30 on CBC Radio 2
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