Aida

Aida is, for most of us, the quintessence of Ancient Egypt, but it is certainly not just for archaeologists. Michael Rose points out that it is really about patriotism - an issue of burning importance to Verdi and his contemporaries. Music critic William Mann reflects that even a short look at the score reveals subtleties that repay careful listening. And Verdi"s own letters show the germs of the opera grow from suggestion to creation.



Contents: Verdi"s "Egyptian business", Michael Rose; "Aida" - Text and Music, William Mann; The Genesis of "Aida", Roger Parker; Aida: Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni; Aida: English version by Edmund Tracey