Composer of the Week - Giuseppe Verdi - Nabucco, Aida

Donald Macleod continues his exploration of the operas of Verdi with the composer's only forays into 'exotic' subject-matter - Nabucco, his 3rd opera, and Aida, his 30th. Nabucco was Verdi's artistic break-through - a tremendous success, it made his name in Italy and all over Europe. Aida, written towards the other end of his long career, confirmed his reputation as the pre-eminent Italian composer of his day. Both works are best known for their choruses - Nabucco for 'Va pensiero', sung by the Hebrew slaves by the waters of Babylon; and Aida for the spectacular Triumph Scene from Act 2 scene 2, when the Egyptian troops return, victorious, to the city of Thebes.