Giuseppe Verdi. Aida
In the open air, in the breathtaking scenery of the Roman quarry of St. Margareten, the Brno National Theatre presented a monumental production of Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Aida". Horses, elephants and more than 400 performers took part in the large-scale performance.
Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Aida" can rightfully be called one of the best in the history of music. Everything about it is wonderful: colorful music, vivid images and an unusual plot based on real historical events.
In 1868, Ismail Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt, asked Verdi to write an opera on an Egyptian theme for the Cairo theater, which was to open its doors in 1869, for the opening of the Suez Canal. However, the composer only agreed to undertake the work of "Aida" in 1870. The short scenario was written by the French Egyptologist Auguste Marietta. Camille du Locle took on the writing of the libretto in prose in French, and on this basis Antonio Ghislanzoni wrote the Italian verse text. Verdi actively participated in the creation of the libretto.
The opera premiered in Cairo on Christmas Eve 1871. From here it began its triumphal march around the world.
The Pharaoh's palace in Memphis receives news of the Ethiopian invasion. The high priest Ramfis appeals to the patroness of Egypt, Isis, to name the victorious commander. The chief of the palace guard, Radames, dreams of becoming Isis's chosen one, that he will lead the troops, win, and as a reward demand the release of his beloved, the Pharaoh's captive, Aida. Amneris, the Pharaoh's daughter, is secretly in love with Radames. Seeing the young man in great excitement, Amneris begins to guess about his love for the slave. Aida's confusion increases her suspicions.
The Pharaoh is informed of the will of the gods: Radames will lead the Egyptian troops. He is blessed for battle. Aida is in confusion. A painful struggle takes place in her soul between her love for Radames and her fear for her father, the Ethiopian king Amonasro. The Temple of Memphis. Here, the solemn rite of Radames' initiation takes place. The high priest Ramfis hands him the sacred sword and asks the gods to grant victory to the Egyptian army.
Amneris awaits the return of Radames, who has defeated the Ethiopians. She wants to find out the truth about Aida's feelings at any cost and tells the slave about Radames's death. Aida cannot hide her despair. But Radames is alive, and Aida loves him - now Amneris knows this, and she demands that the slave renounce her love.
In the square in Thebes, everything is ready to welcome the victors. The captive Ethiopians pass before the pharaoh, among them Amonasro. He warns his daughter, who has rushed to him, not to mention his name and rank. In order to divert suspicion from himself, he pretends to be a military leader and says that the king of the Ethiopians died in battle.
Radames asks for the prisoners' freedom to be returned as a reward for their victory. On the advice of the priest, the pharaoh leaves Aida and her father hostage, granting freedom to the others, and as a reward, gives Radames his daughter in marriage.
On the banks of the Nile, in the temple of Isis, Amneris is preparing for her wedding with Radames. Aida is waiting for her lover here to say goodbye to him forever. Amonasro appears. Having learned of his daughter's love for Radames, he demands that Aida find out which road Radames will lead the army against the Ethiopians. He reminds Aida that she is the daughter of a king, and not an obedient slave. Aida, exhausted by her emotional struggle, agrees to fulfill her father's demand.
Radames arrives. Aida suggests that her lover flee to Ethiopia - only there can they be happy. Aida manages to find out the road the army will take. Amonasro overhears Aida's conversation with Radames. He triumphs: now victory is assured. Radames realizes that he has committed treason and surrenders himself to the priests. Aida and Amonasro hide.
Radames' trial is being prepared in the dungeon. Amneris begs her lover to repent and promises him freedom, wealth, the throne - anything so that he will forget Aida. But Radames is adamant. For the sake of love, he sacrificed his honor, betrayed his homeland - and is ready to be punished.
High Priest Ramfis passes sentence: Radames will be buried alive for treason. Amneris, in despair, curses the inhumanity of the priests.
Aida has entered the dungeon of the temple to share her beloved's fate. The singing of the priests is heard from the temple. In deep melancholy, Amneris bends over the stone hiding the entrance to the dungeon and prays to the gods for peace of mind.
PERFORMERS:
Aida, Ethiopian princess - Esther Sümegi
Radames, captain of the guard - Konstantin Andreyev
Amneris, the Pharaoh's daughter - Cornelia Helfricht
Ramfis, high priest - Pierre Dalas
Egyptian Pharaoh - Janusz Monarha
Amonasro, King of Ethiopia - Igor Morozov
Orchestra, choir and ballet of the National Theatre Brno
Conductor - Ernst Merzendorfer
Stage Director - Robert Herzl
St. Margarethen Quarry, Austria, 2004