Aida Synopsis
ACT I
Desperately seeking recognition in a war-ravaged Egypt, Radames hopes to be chosen as army commander. Envisioning a glorious victory, he dreams of freeing his beloved Aida, an Ethiopian slave, from Amneris, the King's daughter. His fantasy is seemingly fulfilled when the King announces Radames' appointment as commander; the Egyptian army prepares for war. "Return when you have won!" cries Amneris, echoed by the people. Alone, Aida repeats these words, stunned that the man she loves is going to battle against her father, for she is, in fact, a princess of Ethiopia.
A priestess is heard addressing the deity as the congregants gather in the temple. Ramfis consecrates Radames' sword for the impending war.
Radames has defeated the Ethiopians, and on the morning of his triumphal return Amneris is fantasizing about Radames, now a war hero. She has suspicions, however, that Aida is also in love with him. When she cleverly deceives Aida to confirm that her slave does in fact love Radames, Amneris launches into a jealously threatening tirade.
A crowd welcomes the returning army; the defeat of the Ethiopians is celebrated. Radames is crowned as victor by Amneris. The captured Ethiopians follow, among them Aida's father, Amonasro, incognito. He warns her not to betray his rank, and then pleads for his fellow prisoners' lives. The religious leaders demand death for the captives, but Radames intercedes, requiring their freedom as his reward. The King releases all but Amonasro, then presents Radames with Amneris' hand, destroying Aida's hopes.
ACT II
On a moonlit bank of the Nile, Ramfis leads Amneris into a temple of Isis for a wedding vigil. Aida comes to wait secretly for Radames. Overcome with nostalgia, she laments her conquered homeland. Amonasro, still determined to save his people, startles her out of reverie: Aida must trick Radames into revealing where the Egyptian army intends to enter Ethiopia. He shames and threatens her, finally breaking down her resistance by describing an Ethiopian ravaged by Egyptian invaders. Amonasro hides as Radames appears, promising to make Aida his bride after his next victory. She suggests they run away together, asking what route his army will take. No sooner has he answered than Amonasro steps out, divulging his identity as King of Ethiopia. Amneris intervenes suddenly and denounces Radames as a traitor. Radames surrenders himself to Ramfis as Aida and her father escape.
Amneris offers to save Radames if he will renounce Aida but he refuses. Enraged, Amneris sends him to the priests who will surely sentence him to death. She listens in despair as the priests three times demand that he defend himself, only to be met with silence. Amneris is devastated, her love for Radames revealed by her agony in hearing him condemned.
Radames, buried alive in a crypt beneath the temple, turns his last thoughts to Aida, who seemingly emerges from the shadows. Bidding farewell to earth, the lovers greet eternity as Amneris vainly prays for peace.
*Click on the blue text to listen to excerpts from the opera
