Giuseppe Verdi, though fascinated by some of Richard Wagner's music, considered it 'slow and boring' and felt his own artistic conception was very different from the German composer's.
Composer Biography
Giuseppe Verdi, the composer of Aida, was almost sixty years old when he wrote this opera.
Composition History
The premiere of Aida in Cairo was delayed by a year, until Christmas Eve 1871, because the scenery and costumes from Paris could not arrive due to the Prussian siege of the French capital.
Compositional Technique
In Aida, Giuseppe Verdi made a breakthrough in his compositional style by giving the orchestra a more incisive role, compared to his previous works where the voice predominated.
Recording & Production
This recording of Aida was made at the Opera di Firenze, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, between April 11 and 15, 2015.
Critical Reception
Giuseppe Verdi believed Aida had more 'bite' and 'theatricality' than his opera Don Carlos, despite Don Carlos potentially having pieces of more individual value.
Composition History
Giuseppe Verdi's opera Aida was commissioned by Egyptian Viceroy Isma'il Pasha for the opening of the Suez Canal and the inauguration of the new Cairo Opera House.
