Lesson 7
Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
- Listen to and follow the form of a scene from Aida.
- Recognize the role of ballet music as part of opera.
- Read and sing excerpts from the opera accurately, expressively, and with good breath control.
- Read and perform and bass-line instrumentation.
- Perform a dance to operatic ballet music.
- Create, notate, and perform movement for a dance segment.
- Develop and use criteria to evaluate the musical qualities of their performance.
Materials
- From the tape, "Grand Finale" (Act II, scene 2, of Aida performed by chorus, orchestra, ballet corps) (56:20-1:08:12).
- Instruments
- Masters 11, 12, 13
- Paper, pencils for notating dance and optional percussion
- Metronome
Part One: The plot
Procedures
- Read the synopsis of the opera.
- Using Master 11, point out and discuss the major sections. Give special attention to the segments (ballet, choral, and instrumental accompaniment).
- Explain supernumeraries: Persons who fill the stage, similar to "extras" used in movies. Most have to be quick-change artists backstage, as they only leave to return immediately as other characters.
- View the tape using Master 11.
- In your groups, write out answers to the questions on the form.
- Give answers to the class.
Synopsis
The setting is Memphis and Thebes: time, reign of the Pharaohs; trouble between Egypt and Ethiopia. The Khedive of Egypt contracted Verdi to compose the opera to celebrate the opening of the newly built Cairo Opera House in 1869 (also the year of the opening of the Suez Canal). The premiere of Aida took place in the Cairo Opera House, but not until 1871.
Aida, princess of Ethiopia held captive by Egypt and slave to the princess of Egypt, Amneris, is torn between love and loyalty for her country and Radames, the handsome commander of the Egyptian troops. (We have a love triangle here, as the princess of Egypt also loves Radames and expects to marry him - and Radames love Aida!!!)
In Act II, scene 2 (the portion from the video), Radames defeats the Ethiopians, returns triumphant with captives including Aida's father, King of Ethiopia, who warns Aida to keep his true identity a secret. In the next act, he forces Aida into tricking Radames into revealing Egyptian army plans. The jealous and enraged princess of Egypt discovers the plot, Radames is found quilty of treason and sentenced to be buried alive in a vault beneath the temple. Aida, who has escaped, learns of the verdict and manages to enter and hide secretly in the vault. As the entrance is sealed, Radames discovers Aida, the lovers embrace and bid the earth farewell. Amneris, in the temple above and unaware of Aida's presence in the tomb, cries over the fate her jealousy has wrought.
Part Two: The Role of Ballet in Opera
Procedures
- In your group, make a list of the role of ballet in opera. Share with the class.
- Which ballet number began with a Macarena-like movement? Review the video if necessary (1:01:08)
- Learn the steps to the Macarena and perform it with the music of Ballet #2 (1:01:18).
Part Three: Identifying Form and Performing A Chorus
Procedures
- Identify the form of the choral excerpt for Aida as on Master 12.
- Watch the video (56:20-108:11) as you follow the score on Master 12.
- Sing the choral excerpt.
Part Four: Performing an Accompnaiment
Procedures
- Using Master 13, listen to the scene (0:59:47-1:00:36), paying attention to the melody line as it relates to the simple accompaniment.
- Play a bass line for the scene.
Part Five: Combining Dancing, Singing and Accompaniment
- Review the Macarena
- Divide groups into choral, danceers, and instrumental performers.
- Rehearse once with the tape.
- Give a performance.
Evaluation
In groups, turn in at least three questions from this lesson for the final "Opera Quiz."
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Last updated: November 07, 1999.
