Try free for 30 days

1 credit a month to use on any title, yours to keep (you’ll use your first credit on this title).
Stream or download thousands of included titles.
Access to exclusive deals and discounts.
$16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
Verdi: Aida cover art

Verdi: Aida

By: Thomson Smillie
Narrated by: David Timson
Try for $0.00

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $8.76

Buy Now for $8.76

Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.

Editorial reviews

With ancient Egypt's war with Ethiopia the setting for this opera's love story, Aida is generally considered one of the most spectacular examples of Verdi's work. Narrator David Timson performs Thomson Smillie's exploration of the historic background behind Aida - how and why it came to be composed - and the difficulties and challenges for its performers. Timson's refined delivery enhances the accessibility and charm of Smillie's words and listeners new to opera will find this audiobook a wonderful introduction to this musical world.

Publisher's Summary

Ancient Egypt and the war with Ethiopia is the setting for Verdi’s grandest opera. It is the story of the love between Rhadames, the Egyptian general, and Aida, an Ethiopian slave, and the jealousy of Amneris, daughter of the King of Egypt. It was written in 1871 to a commission from the Khedive of Egypt to inaugurate the new opera house in Cairo. Aida generally is considered one of the most spectacular of Verdi’s operas.

But Thomson Smillie, in his fascinating introduction to the work, presented by actor David Timson, says it is, more accurately, "a chamber opera with a grand march through the middle of it". The historic background - how and why it came to be composed - is clearly explained. This is followed by the plot, the characters, and the principal arias and musical moments - a perfect way of getting to know the work.

©2002 Naxos AudioBooks (P)2002 Naxos AudioBooks

What listeners say about Verdi: Aida

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.