Aida is, for most of us, the quintessence of Ancient Egypt, but it is certainly not just for archaeologists. Michael Rose points out that it is really about patriotism – an issue of burning importance to Verdi and his contemporaries. Music critic William Mann reflects that even a short look at the score reveals subtleties that repay careful listening. And Verdi’s own letters show the germs of the opera grow from suggestion to creation.

Contents: Verdi’s ‘Egyptian business’, Michael Rose; ‘Aida’ – Text and Music, William Mann; The Genesis of ‘Aida’, Roger Parker; Aida: Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni; Aida: English version by Edmund Tracey