Opera For Everyone - Episode 132: Verdi's Aida

Release Date: July 13, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 132 of Opera For Everyone, host Pat Wright engages in an insightful and passionate discussion with esteemed opera critic Gerald Malone about Giuseppe Verdi's iconic opera, Aida. Airing on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on 89.1 KHOL in Jackson, Wyoming, this episode delves deep into the narrative, characters, musical composition, and historical context of one of opera's most beloved works.

Guest Introduction and Background

• [00:28] Pat Wright welcomes Gerald Malone, highlighting his role as the opera critic for Reaction Life and treasurer of the Metropolitan Opera Club.

• [01:34] Gerald Malone introduces his website, therestisopra.com, a compilation of his opera reviews aimed at making opera accessible and enjoyable, echoing the mission of the podcast.

  "Opera is for everyone. It's there to be enjoyed." — Gerald Malone [02:16]

Overview of Verdi's Aida

• [03:30] Pat Wright emphasizes that Aida is among the world's most popular operas, celebrated for its gripping story and Verdi's masterful compositions.

• [04:12] Aida premiered in 1871 at the Cairo Opera House, a project commissioned by Khedive Ismail. Interestingly, Verdi was initially asked to compose an overture but eventually crafted a full-fledged opera after his initial suggestion was declined.

  "He told them to shove off. He said he didn't write set piece overtures." — Gerald Malone [04:33]

• [05:02] The commission for Aida was lucrative, reportedly four times what Verdi received for his previous work, Don Carlos.

Plot and Character Analysis

Act 1: The Triumphant Commander and the Love Triangle

• [11:28] The opera opens with the high priest Rhamphus and the ambitious military leader Radames discussing the threat from Ethiopia. Radames aspires to lead the army, driven by a desire for glory and the love of Aida, an Ethiopian princess enslaved in Egypt.

  "Aida is one of my favorite operas." — Gerald Malone [00:37]

• [18:02] A love triangle unfolds between Radames, Aida, and Amneris, the Pharaoh's daughter, who is also enamored with Radames. Amneris confronts Radames about his apparent affection for another, laying the groundwork for jealousy and conflict.

  "Amneris, my rival." — Gerald Malone [22:10]

• [29:15] Amneris reveals her internal turmoil and unrequited love for Radames, setting the stage for the emotional conflicts that drive the opera.

Act 2: Social Hierarchies and Political Maneuvers

• [33:42] The contrast between grand, communal scenes and intimate personal interactions is highlighted. While the chorus celebrates victories, individual characters grapple with their emotions and loyalties.

• [36:11] Aida's internal conflict becomes palpable as she mourns the potential loss of her homeland and her love, Radames.

  "She sees no other way out. The conflict is too great for her." — Pat Wright [29:21]

Act 3: Betrayals and Deceptions

• [70:09] The narrative intensifies as Amonasro, Aida's father and the King of Ethiopia, is captured alongside Aida. Disguised and strategic, he deceives the Egyptian authorities to further his plans for his homeland's liberation.

• [84:20] A pivotal moment occurs when Aida convinces Radames to reveal the Egyptian army's plans, leading to his immediate arrest and the revelation of Amonasro's true identity.

  "I have betrayed my country." — Radames [95:37]

Act 4: Tragic Conclusion

• [97:22] The final act portrays Radames in prison, resigned to his fate, and Amneris grappling with her love and jealousy. The culmination unfolds in the subterranean tomb where Aida and Radames are entombed alive, leading to their tragic deaths.

  "You're going to get one in our country, and you'll get Aida." — Amonasro [57:27]

• [108:52] The opera concludes with Amneris seeking pardon, juxtaposed with the somber fate of the lovers, emphasizing themes of love, duty, and sacrifice.

Musical Highlights

• Gerald Malone commends Verdi's ability to blend grand choruses with intimate arias, creating a dynamic and engaging musical experience.

  "Some passages are brilliant." — Gerald Malone [09:02]

• The Triumphal March is highlighted as one of Verdi's most famous compositions, often recognized even by those unfamiliar with opera.

  "The Triumphal March is one of Verdi's more famous tunes." — Pat Wright [45:42]

• [70:09] The instrumental introduction to Act 3's Nile scene is praised for its atmospheric composition, utilizing a sparse orchestration that contrasts with the era's typical grandeur.

  "One of Verdi's most famous passages about creating a scene." — Gerald Malone [70:09]

Historical and Cultural Context

• [04:12] The opera's premiere in Cairo reflects a fascinating blend of Western and Eastern influences, under the patronage of a modernizing Khedive within the Ottoman Empire.

• [65:18] Gerald mentions the Muscat Opera House as an example of contemporary efforts to blend Western opera with Middle Eastern traditions, drawing a parallel to Aida's historical context.

• [66:23] An interesting note is made about Aida's New York Metropolitan Opera debut in 1886, where the singing was performed in German rather than Italian, a rare occurrence that piques the curiosity of opera enthusiasts.

Production Insights

• [43:07] Discussion on various Aida productions, including the logistical challenges of staging grand animals on stage, such as elephants, camels, and even moose for the Grand Teton Festival.

  "At Jackson Hole Airport, where there is a series of mooseheads, we have statues and art." — Gerald Malone [43:26]

• [61:15] The recording being discussed features the 1970 London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Eric Leinsdorf, with notable performances by Leontine Price (Aida), Grace Brumbry (Amneris), and Ruggiero Raimondi (Rhamphus).

Thematic Analysis

• Love vs. Duty: Central to Aida is the struggle between personal desires and obligations to one's country. Characters like Radames and Aida epitomize this conflict, torn between their love for each other and their respective duties.

• Betrayal and Sacrifice: Radames' betrayal and subsequent acceptance of his fate underscore themes of honor and sacrifice, culminating in the lovers' tragic end.

• Power and Jealousy: Amneris' jealousy drives much of the opera's tension, highlighting the destructive potential of unrequited love and power struggles.

  "Aida has agreed to do what her father has asked her to do, what he says she's required to do as a faithful daughter of her country." — Gerald Malone [87:08]

Notable Quotes

• "Opera is for everyone. It's there to be enjoyed." — Gerald Malone [02:16]

• "He tells us, no, the throne of Egypt is not worth Aida's heart." — Radames [57:11]

• "Aida has just gotten Radames, the Egyptian commander, to tell her what route his army is going to take." — Gerald Malone [95:15]

• "You're going to get one in our country, and you'll get Aida." — Amonasro [57:27]

Conclusion

Episode 132 of Opera For Everyone offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida, blending detailed plot analysis with musical appreciation and historical context. Through the insightful commentary of Gerald Malone and Pat Wright's lively hosting, listeners gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this monumental work in the operatic canon. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer seeking to explore the art form, this episode serves as a valuable guide to one of opera's greatest masterpieces.

Cover artwork by illustrator Rosie Brooks

For more discussions and analyses on operas, subscribe to the Opera For Everyone podcast and visit operaformeveryone.com.