Aida - a World Famous Grand Opera - Essay Example

No Aida the Musical Review Aida is a world famous four acts grand opera, which is often termed as the finest example of Italian operatic presentations and the crowning glory of Verdi’s opera career. It is a musical masterpiece composed by the legendary Giuseppe Verdi, and the libretto was penned by Antonio Ghislanzoni in 1870. Aida’s first performance was conducted by Giovanni Bottesini in Cairo at the inauguration of Khedivial Opera House on 24 December 1871 (Stanley and Macy 9). Aida is a timeless story about two lovers Aida, an Ethiopian princess, and Radames an Egyptian General, who faced many difficulties because they were bounded by societal obligations. However, categorizing this story as just another romantic lore would be an extreme injustice. The two lovers are actually representing ordinary people fighting for human rights, and justice hence; it is also a story of believing in honesty, integrity, justice and sincerity. The ideas that come across from the play are of upholding social order and equality in society. The tragic end of the lovers depicts that the world is indifferent towards those who are weak. Throughout the play these diverse concepts and ideas have been displayed beautifully Patriotism, justice, harmony, peacefulness in society and sense of duty are main values presented in the play. Verdi’s Aida has been bestowed with an urge to redevelop the ongoing thinking patterns of society. Aida was conceived, developed and written at the time of Risorgimento- the Italian Nationalist Movement of the late nineteenth century and therefore, there are images of “political conspiracies, exhortations against tyranny” and liberation from the aristocratic dominance (Grout and Williams 402). The play in a way depicted the prevailing discrimination between upper and lower class in 19th century Europe through the capturing of slaves. Therefore, it can be stated that Aida incorporates an entourage of values. It supports peace, justice, honesty, and involves the fight for human rights under the beautiful alibi of magical compositions. Verdi did not use simple harmonies but fused together French chorus models and instruments with Italian operatic concepts to portray ancient Egypt convincingly. Verdi’s style of music in Aida is different from his previous operas because he experimented with the tunes but also remain restricted so that the impact of the story is not taken away. Verdi fused various French rhythms in pure Italian style and created a new modernized genre of opera music in Italy called Orientalism. He refused to use the primitive style of rhythms, and it was indeed required to take the audience in a completely different era. Music is the backbone of any operatic offering, and the case is not any different in Aida. Music explains the story comprehensively and also the feel of the era along with the expression and inner feelings of the characters. Songs and choruses depict the ongoing conflicts between the characters pertaining to passion, trust, betrayal, jealousy, patriotism and honor completely and sincerely (Verdi 19). Music convincingly displays the traits and approaches of every character in Aida. This can be explained through "the tender chromatic theme that is introduced using softly played strings" when its principal character Aida appears in the starting of the play (Verdi 20). “Celeste Aida” perfectly introduces the audience to the softness, emotionality and sentiments of the heroine. The prayer “Numi Pieta” shows the internal conflict Aida is going through because she is facing the dilemma of duty vs. love. “O Patria Mia” is a great piece that perfectly narrates the influencing sense of patriotism in Aida’s personality. The confrontation scene between Aida and Princess Amneris is as powerful as was required to depict the internal state of both the characters. Thus, music definitely helps in explaining the thoughts, grievances, passion and desperation of Aida, the heroine of the play. One peculiarly important melody that easily exports the overall story and concept of Aida is the lament sung by Aida in Act III namely “O Patria Mia” meaning “O My Country.” This is sung at a time when she believes that she has lost her father, her love, and her freedom since Egypt won the war. It also displays the entire theme of this drama, which is of patriotism and passion. Patriotism is an important element in this play and drives every character to enter conflicting situation with the other. Similarly, there is a love story under progress, which has a tragic end and the gloominess overwhelming this piece expresses it perfectly. The play’s impact is immensely powerful because it has been composed by the greatest composer of all times Giuseppe Verdi. He was an acclaimed romantic composer from Italy, and his extraordinary works secured him a place in the league of operatic legends like Bellini and Rossini. He introduced the dynamism and individuality oriented form of opera in Italy through his plays. Verdi also involved themes that depicted the prevailing political scenario in Europe and also played his part in the political movements of 1840s and 50s through his compositions. Compositions like “Va, penisiero” from Nabucco, and “O, Patria Oppresa” from Macbeth are important examples of his portrayal of patriotism and refusal of imperialism (Grout and Williams 402). In that era, opera plays were very affordable and were watched by people from every class. Therefore, Verdi realized the power of merging music with a noble cause and provided a platform where the ongoing abuse of power and force in Europe could be projected in an interesting manner. In this respect, Aida holds an important position historically since it was presented at a time when the movements for social order, equality, justice and peace were gaining momentum. It is also consequential because Verdi created Aida on the compulsion of Ismail Pasha, the Khedival of Egypt, who needed to spread the word about the growing influence of British imperials on Middle East and to depict the authority Europe had on Egypt during the 19th century. Another aspect that shows Aida's historical significance is that through this opera, Verdi revolutionized Italian operatic culture. “Aida certainly influenced the next generation of Italian verismo opera composers like Puccini, who as a young man, was determined to become an opera composer after he saw Aida” (Verdi 23). Conclusively, Aida not only served as a plea for maintaining political harmony in every part of the world, sustaining of peace, and prevalence of equal human rights but also as the promotes of cultural bondage. Aida is a powerful play, and the impact of the story is certainly heightened by the combination of soulful and dynamic musical pieces from Verdi. The songs are expressive, melodious, and at times violent, passionate and aggressive depending upon the scene. Works Cited Grout, Donald, and Hermine Williams. A Short History of Opera. 4th ed. New York: Columbia University Press, 2003. Print. Sadie, Stanley, and Laura Macy. The Grove Book of Operas. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. Print. Verdi, Giuseppe . Verdi's Aida: Opera Classics Library Series, Version 1.5. Opera Journeys Publishing, 2005. Print. Read More