The historic production, with sets by Mestres Cabanes, returns to the Liceu with Pirozzi, Margaine and Meade, Aida as our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents saw it, set against the hyper-realist scenery designed in 1945 by the Catalan artist from Manresa, Josep Mestres Cabanes. This splendid creation of the great Catalan school of set design emphasizes the grandeur – and also the intimacy – of Verdi's third-before-last opera, remaining true to the historicist tradition without ever lapsing into kitsch. In his tensely dramatic Aida, the 58-year-old Verdi displays his colossal strength and musical and theatrical savoir-faire to relate the love triangle that causes Aida, Amneris and Radamès to pursue their passion, love and hatred to the very last consequences. The background of Ancient Egypt – the work was written to mark the opening of the Suez Canal – provides the excuse for the grandiose choral and symphonic scenes, which alternate with exquisite arias throughout the extensive score. The Liceu debut of American soprano Angela Meade. |