Aida

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.