Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)

 

An Introduction to...Aida

 

Written by Thomson Smillie. Narrated by David Timson

 

OPERA EXPLAINED

An entertaining but informative series introducing the major operas of the repertoire, with historical background, an explanation of the plot and a presentation of the main arias and themes. Opera Explained is a unique idea. Nothing of its kind exists. An ideal introduction to individual operas either to prepare for the full Naxos recording, or a visit to the opera house.

AIDA

It was commissioned for the opening of the Cairo Opera House. The Khedive of Egypt wanted the world's most famous and successful composer to be part of those celebrations having failed to coax a new opera out of him for the opening of the Suez Canal.

THOMSON SMILLIE

Thomson Smillie began his career in the early days of Scottish Opera and has been artistic director of the Wexford International Festival, general manager of the Opera Company of Boston and general director of Kentucky Opera.  He now makes a career as a writer, speech-writer and public speaker.  He has a strong belief that people mature into a love of opera and travels the world encouraging a love of the art form.  His other passions are travel, languages and friendships.

DAVID TIMSON

David Timson studied acting and singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has performed in modern and classic plays through the UK and abroad, including Wild Honey for Alan Ayckbourn, Hamlet, The Man of Mode and The Seagull. Among his many TV appearances have been roles in Nelson’s Column and Swallows and Amazons. For Naxos AudioBooks, he as recorded, to date, three volumes of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and directed Twelfth Night as well as playing Feste. He is the narrator in the Naxos recording of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale.

 

Naxos 8558009