Aida – A Ballad after Verdi.
Dedicated to Mariza Godinho Goes for her Birthday.
In the Pharaoh’s Memphis palace the High Priest of Isis stands.
He foretells that Ethiopians will invade Egyptian lands.
Young Radames, an officer, hopes to lead the Egyptian forces,
and rout the hostile infantry with chariots and swift horses.
He hopes to marry Aida, a slave-girl (who, unbeknown,
is daughter to Amonasro on the Ethiopian throne.)
Her mistress is the Princess, Amneris, the Pharaoh’s daughter.
She’s in love with Radames and jealous that he doesn’t court her.
Aida’s torn between her love for Radames and duty
to her country and her father who now covets Egypt’s booty.
The High Priest, choice of Radames as general, confirms
but Amneris’ proposals he continually spurns.
Amneris, now preparing for the triumphant return
of the victorious Egyptian army, hopes their general’s love to earn.
She tells Aida, falsely, that in battle he was killed
and the poor girl, overcome with grief, her secret love revealed.
In triumph the procession through the Theban gates is poured.
Pharaoh bestows his daughter’s hand as Radames’ reward.
Among the prisoners, Amonasro royal robes has shed,
and, concealing his identity, pretends the king is dead.
Aida waits for Radames by the banks of river Nile.
Amonasro has persuaded her by subterfuge and guile
to discover, from her lover, the Egyptian army’s route.
She persuades him to leave Egypt and to fly with her on foot.
Then Radames explains to her, for both their safety’s sake,
as the army will march though Napata gorge, a different route to take.
Amonasro, overhearing this, his presence then reveals
and, with Aida, avoiding guards, takes quickly to his heels.
Amneris, hiding nearby, has perceived this conversation.
Her guards take prisoner Radames who faces condemnation.
She tries to win his love by interceding for his reason
but Radames, being obdurate, is condemned to death for treason.
In a vault beneath great Vulcan’s temple, dark with incensed gloom,
Radames, alive, is now interred within his tomb.
As the massive stone is set in place, all light and air now sealed,
in the darkness of the sepluchre, Aida is revealed.
She concealed herself to share his fate and, in each other’ arms,
they await their deaths while, up above, intoning funeral psalms,
the priests and priestesses perform their solemn ritual dances
and Amneris laments the tragic end to her advances.
Hugh Wyles, July 13th. 2005.
Author notes
"AIDA", surely the greatest outpouring of beautiful melody concentrated in a single tragic opera, was first performed in Cairo on 24th. December 1871.
I wish to record my thanks to Elusive Butterfly for the superb picture she gave me permission to use.
Written July 12th, 2005
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This is a beautiful tale you have told here Hugh...The first time I ever heard the opera music was in a cartoon when I was only 15 years of age. I will never forget it. It has been one of my favorite operas ever since...Wonderful but still have to say Salome is my favorite...
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Excellent!
Dear Hugh,
Once again, I was enthralled with your poem. You brought this romantic story to life. clapping hard and long
Magnificent..I love the poem and I love the picture! I don't know how you do it but I'm so glad that you do!!! BRAVO!
Love and Hugs,
♥ Maureen
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I stand up in ovation, then bow to you in admiration
Loves,
Aziram
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This is beautiful, Sire, in the way you havw woven the tale and woven my interest within it.
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perfectamento!
Hugh, the REAL story is very similar to the Broadway Musical, where at the end they are both entombed for eternity!Thank you so very much for writing the real version in this wonderful form.Since I love tghis tragic story so very much, I cannot thank you enough for doing this! Bravo! Three thumbs up!
Light and much love,
Linda XOXOXOXO
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loved this . the egyptian theme caught me . but the story drew me in even more ... simply fabulous
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Dear Hugh, what an amazing tragic story, to love someone so much that you follow them to their grave. I was thoroughly enthralled with reading this magnificent Ballad. Well done my Friend.
I applaud you
hugs and kisses Bea
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Thank you dad for this wonderful dedication! I have seen this opera very long time ago in Rio. An amazing spectacle and wonderful music!
Your poem is wonderful as well and has captured the very essence of tha play. So beatifully done!
Thanks again for this lovely birthday present
Besos y abrazos de tu hija,
Mari
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