Aida - Show Information
Aida, an Ethiopian princess, is captured and brought into slavery in Egypt.This very popular Verdi opera involves a three-way love affair. Radames, captain of the Egyptian king's guard is secretly in love with Aida. Aida is a slave, captured earlier, and is as well the daughter of the king of Ethiopia although this relationship is unknown to most of the people in the opera. However, a third person is involved in this three-way situation. Amneris is the daughter of the king of Egypt, and she is in love with Radames although he does not return her romantic feelings.
Amneris has suspicions that Radames loves someone else but is not sure exactly who it is. When war breaks out between Egypt and Ethiopia, Amneris tells Aida that Radames has been killed. It is not true but is done to learn if there is a strong feeling within Aida for Radames. Aida reveals in great sorrow that her greatest love is Radames.
When the king of Egypt decides to reward Radames for his victory over Ethiopia, he pleads for the king to spare the lives of the king of Ethiopia. This is granted, but Radames is also given Amneris to wed. Not wanting to marry Amneris, he and Aida agree to flee to the desert. Their agreement is overheard, leading to the climax of the opera.
| Music | Giuseppe Verdi |