This series introduces, in words and music, the plot and background of the major operas. Here Smillie discusses Verdi's history and the political background surrounding Aida followed by an analysis of the opera broken down into sections.
Introduction (3:50) -- Verdi's three periods in a sixty-year span (1:38) -- The political background (2:19) -- Aida, the beginnings (3:36) -- The prelude and Act I (16:48) -- Act II (6:07) -- The grand march (9:38) -- Act III (6:37) -- Act IV (4:52) -- The death scene (7:44).
Language
English
Note
Includes brief excerpts from the opera as recorded by Maria Dragoni and Kristjan Johannsson with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland on Naxos 8.660033-34.
Language (note)
Narration in English. Musical segments sung in Italian.