Aida

Aida (Verdi). Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni; 4 acts; first performance Cairo 1871, conducted by Giovanni Bottesini (a double-bass virtuoso).

Egypt, the time of the Pharaohs: Aida, daughter of the Ethiopian King Amonasro, is a slave of Amneris, daughter of the King of Egypt. Radamès wants to lead the Egyptian forces - he wants to see Aida, the woman he loves. Amneris is also in love with Radamès and, when he is crowned victor, the King offers him Amneris in marriage and whatever he desires. Radamès requests liberty for the prisoners. The night before the wedding, Ramfis the High Priest accompanies Amneris to the temple where she will spend the night in prayer. Aida is to meet Radamès for the last time near the river, but is suddenly faced by her father. He knows the Ethiopians can defeat the Egyptians if she will help by extracting from Radamès the army's plans. When Radamès arrives, she does her best to persuade him to elope with her. Amonasro shows himself as Amneris and her father emerge from the temple. Radamès prevents Amonasro killing Amneris and offers himself as prisoner as Aida and Amonasro escape. Radamès is sentenced to be buried alive under the temple altar. When he is entombed, he finds Aida has hidden there in anticipation. They will die together.