Antonio Ghislanzoni (1824–1893)

Libretto by Ghislanzoni, English translation by Dale McAdoo. This is part of my "reading" of the great operas and composers. Verdi was commissioned by the the Khedive of Egypt, who asked him to write an opera for the opening of the Italian Opera House in Cairo in 1869, honoring the dedication of the Suez Canal. Verdi did not finish in time, but did complete Aida in 1871.

Aida is the story of an Ethiopian slave, lady in waiting to Amneris, the daughter of the King of Egypt. Radames, the Egyptian captain of the guard is madly in love with Aida, much to the jealous disgust of Amneris. There is no happy ending!

I listened to the opera on You Tube after reading the libretto and reading some history concerning Verdi. I liked this one!… (mere)

This was an amazing libretto, and the commentary that is given by Fisher is tantalizing in its effects. The story of Aida, besot by the memory of her father, and her jolting lover Radames, is one for the ages indeed. This edition is great, with the effect that it shows the effect of music and has the English version alongside the Italian to allow you to pick up a smattering of it at the very same time. Overall, I was impressed and intrigued, and this libretto will surely not be my last.

4.25!… (mere)