with Music Historian Frank P. Carbonara
Date: Tuesday, June 10
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Guiseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was the most distinguished Italian composer of opera in the 19th Century. A musical giant, he gained fame for his mastery of theatrical effects, stirring melodies, and for his complex orchestration. Aida, the last opera in Verdi’s richly productive second period, exhibits these qualities in full measure. It was commissioned by the Khedive of
Egypt to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal. First performed in Cairo in 1871, the opera is written in the grand manner and is outstanding for its drama, pageantry, powerful emotional scenes, special effects, and rich harmonies. Both as a play and as music, it is always a magnificent “show,” and it displays the influence of Wagner in its exciting unity of score and text. Enjoy the soaring music and resounding arias and discover why this opera is still such an outstanding favorite.