Aida
Essay by 24 • October 10, 2010 • 859 Words (4 Pages) • 1,484 Views
AIDA
Act IV of the opera Aida opens with a piano introduction that is 32 measures long. Than continuous with Tempo D'Attaca which is measure 32 until 75.Cavatina starts from measure 76 until 182.It continuous with Tempo Di Mezzo measure from 186 until 218.Finishes with Cavatina which is measure 219 until the end.
The opening in the key of G minor creates a sense of steady mournfulness with is black chords which is lead to the solo of Amneris.In the recitative, Amneris revels that Radames will be condemned and adds that is unjust. This recitative allows the plot to move along quiet quickly to the Allegro agitato. Immidiately it is clear than the seem will describe a sad set of events. Amneris quickly changes her tune in the next section by saying that Radames and some unknown women are a traitors.
On the words "destroy them" there are rapid notes in ascending scale and arpeggio form in the piano which add to the heightened drama. It is evident that Amneris has been betrayed when she sings "I love him still, I love him". Because she had just mentioned that she wanted him dead. In the section where she proclaims her love, the accompaniment and the solo become more lyrical. At this point, smoothly flowing triplets are introduced (in measure 57) that push the music forward and over the bar lines. The triplets figure is used as decoration in the voice part on the word "sempre" (in measure 60) which allows this important word to be emphasized. After the words "Ah could he only love me!" There is a dramatic silent in the voice and right hand of piano to accentuate this important declaration of love. The music returns to recitative to continue to more the plot along. In measure 73, Amneris announces the "soldier" and the accompaniment responds with a serious march-like figure that contains the triplets on at a faster pace. (Are in 16th notes)
At the Andante Sostenuto (Cavatina) the key suddenly changes to Gb Major) there is no voice part and the accompaniment is very rapid because Radames is about to be lead out by guards. Amneris continuous to sing four measure after this dramatic opening. Her words at this moment describe the fate of Radames.
After the indications (con agitazione) and animando un poco (measure 93-94) she starts to explore ways to help Radames escape his destiny. The triplets return in the piano back in measure 85 and continue throughout this section. In measure 101 Radames sings for the first time and the key changes to F# minor. He declares his innocence (and adds that he will remain silent) in recitative style (through measure 117) Amneris re-enter in measure 117 and the two characters have an exchange.Radames claims not to want his life, and say it is "a life of sorrow despair and desolation" the rapid 16th note triple return in this section. This vocal exchange continuous
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