" Opera Aida ": The First Modelo of Operatic Art in the World

The cultural legacy left by ancient Egyptian civilization from the dawn of history was no accident; it stemmed from remarkable archaeological discoveries that encompassed all the elements needed for the establishment of a flourishing civilization rich in thought, art, political systems, and architecture.

These radiant legacies became a heritage for all of humanity, passed down through generations. Many archaeologists devoted their lives to uncovering the art engraved by the ancient Egyptians on temple walls and in papyrus manuscripts. These discoveries positioned Egypt among the leading civilizations, and the quest to uncover its mysteries evolved from fieldwork into a passion for uncovering its treasures, especially among French archaeologists, who became enchanted with Egypt.

The French poet and writer, Robert Solé, even wrote a book titled "Egypt, A French Passion," and the great French archaeologist Champollion famously wrote in one of his letters, "My whole being belongs to Egypt." Among these treasures, French archaeologist.Auguste Mariette"Pasha," who was the Director of Egyptian Antiquities at the time, discovered artistic inscriptions resembling theatrical works.

This discovery led many historians to reconsider the idea of associating theatrical art with Greek civilization, citing these artistic texts, including one that transformed into the world-renowned opera "Aida." Mariette spent six months in Upper Egypt, copying inscriptions and artistic details from temple columns to assist in producing a work that closely matched the historical text's artistic nature, which was composed of four pages.

What is opera "Aida"? 

"Aida" is a literary text, closer to a theatrical script, discovered by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette during his excavations in the Nile Valley. He rewrote it using some of the artistic inscriptions from the Karnak and Luxor temples in Upper Egypt. He named it "Aida," a name rich in Egyptian connotations, and drew its events from ancient Egyptian history. "Aida" is not linked to a specific time period. After rewriting it and reviving its essence, Mariette consulted with Khedive Ismail, a lover of art, especially opera, who had built the Khedivial Opera House specifically for such events. 

Ismail, confident in the power of ancient Egyptian civilization to rewrite history and adorn its pages with a new legacy, didn’t hesitate to help revive Egypt’s artistic heritage. He immediately pushed for the work to be brought to Giuseppe Verdi, the "father" of opera, to compose the music.

 The libretto was written by poet and lyricist Gisella Nizoni after translating it into Italian, the language of opera. Mariette also paid them 150 francs in gold and had the sets and costumes designed in Paris, costing 250,000 francs. Solé, in his book, mentions that Verdi initially refused, stating, "It is not my habit to compose pieces for special occasions." Some ministers suggested assigning the task to other composers like Wagner and Gounod, but Verdi finally agreed under specific financial and literary conditions.

 In 1871, Mariette signed the contract with him on behalf of the Khedive, which stated that if "Aida" was not performed in Cairo within six months, Verdi had the right to present it elsewhere, though it premiered by the end of that year.

 Who Discovered "Aida"?

 In 1850, the French government sent archaeologist Auguste Mariette to Egypt for excavations. He taught himself the hieroglyphic language and was appointed by Sa’id Pasha as the chief of archaeological operations in 1958 due to his significant discoveries. He conducted several excavations in Saqqara, uncovering the Serapeum tomb, and worked alone at first.

 Later, he was appointed by Khedive Ismail as the Director of Egyptian Antiquities and established large storerooms for archaeological finds in the city of Bulaq, which he inaugurated in a grand ceremony on October 18, 1863. Mariette discovered "Aida" shortly before the opening of the Suez Canal, and he wrote to his brother saying, "Imagine, I wrote an opera! It’s a big opera, and Verdi will compose the music." His brother, Edward, expressed concern, as Auguste was not known for writing poetry or literature. When Was "Aida" Presented to the World?

"Aida" was not the first operatic work inspired by Egyptian history. Despite its global fame, it followed other important operas, such as Mozart's "The Magic Flute," first presented in 1801, based on the myth of Isis and Osiris. "Aida" was first performed on December 24, 1871, at the Khedivial Opera House, built by Khedive Ismail for the opening of the Suez Canal.

Due to delays in the arrival of costumes and sets from France, the premiere was postponed, but the opera achieved great success. It was later performed in Europe, at La Scala in Milan in 1872 and in Parma, Italy. Since then, "Aida" has been performed annually in Egypt and around the world.

 The Story of "Aida"

The script discovered by Mariette portrays conflict between love and duty, between the heart and the mind. The opera tells the story of an Ethiopian princess, Aida, who is captured and becomes a maid to Princess Amneris, the daughter of the Pharaoh. Both Aida and Amneris fall in love with Radames, the captain of the Egyptian army.

Radames loves Aida in return, and the drama unfolds as a war breaks out between Egypt and Ethiopia. Egypt wins, and Radames is ordered to marry the Pharaoh's daughter as a reward. He plans to escape with Aida, but in doing so, he inadvertently reveals military secrets to her. He is deemed a traitor and sentenced to be buried alive, and Aida dies in his arms