Aida

Verdi had to be asked several times before he was willing to write an opera 'for a distant country'. The idea of 'Aida' arose from the news of the construction of the Suez Canal for the opening ceremony of which the Italian Theatre in Cairo wished to perform a festive opera. The world premiere on 24 December 1871, although delayed because of the Franco-Prussian War, was an absolutely outstanding success and was followed by further performances in quick succession at all theatres of the world.

Kurt Pahlen juxtaposes the Italian text with the translation of the libretto frequently used at German theatres, adding information on the compositional structure and context to the musical as well as external and internal dramatic action of the opera. A short synopsis and a brief outline of the genesis bring the work into relation with the composer's entire oeuvre and life, thus offering a comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction.