Italiano | English
Music by
Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by
Antonio Ghislanzoni
The first performance of the Aida was at the Royal Theater in Cairo, on December 2, 1871
The Characters
- Aida, an Ethiopian princess enslaved in Egypt
- Radames, Egyptian army captain
- Amneris, Egyptian Princess
- Amonasro, Ethiopian King and father of Aida
- Ramfis, High Priest of Isis
- King of Egypt, Amneris' father
- High Priestess
- Messenger
- Priests, priestesses, dancers, slaves, gaurds and soldiers, Egyptian populace and Ethiopian
Act One
In ancient Egypt, in the royal palace at Memphis, Radamès learns from the high priest, Ramfis, that Ethiopia is posing a threat 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 Princess Amneris, the king's daughter. Amneris, who also loves Radamès, is jealous of Aida. The King appoints Radamès as Egyptian commander. Aida is torn between her love for Radamès and for her native land: though now a slave, she is the Princess of Ethiopia and now her lover will be engaged in battle with her father.
In the temple, priests consecrate Radamès' sword in a sacred ritual.
Act Two
Ethiopia has been defeated. Amneris prepares for Radamès' triumphal entry in Thebes. When Aida approaches, the princess tries to learn Aida's thoughts, first pretending Radamès is dead, then saying he is still alive. Certain from Aida's reactions that her slave loves Radamès, Amneris leaves for the festivities.
At the city gates, victory is celebrated in parade and dance. Radames is crowned victor. Captured Ethiopians follow, among them Amonasro, Aida's father, disguised as an officer. Impressed by Amonasro's eloquent plea, Radamès 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 Three
On a moonlit bank of the Nile, Amneris is led by Ramfis to a temple of Isis for a wedding vigil. Aida is overcome with nostalgia for her homeland. Amonasro preys on these feelings, convincing his daughter to ask Radamès where the Egyptian army plans to enter Ethiopia. Radamès then appears, ardent with dreams of their future life together. As he reveals to Aida the military secret, Amonasro steps out of hiding, and Ramfis and Amneris come forth from the temple. While Aida escapes with her father, Radamès surrenders to the priests as a traitor.
Act Four
Awaiting trial, Radamès is unmoved by Amneris' offer to save him if he will renounce Aida and marry her. When he is led away, Amneris' love for Radamès is revealed by her agony in hearing him condemned to death. Buried alive in a crypt, Radamès 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.
Italiano | English