Radames Is One Of Verdi’s Greatest Roles For Tenors

There are benchmark roles for tenor and Radames in the opera Aida by Giuseppe Verdi is definitely one of those roles.  When I first started singing, this role seemed way out of my realm of possibility.  Years later I got an opportunity to sing it at a time when I was coming back from a period in life that was rather stressful.  Playing the role of a courageous commander who goes to the dungeon with the love of his life Aida, the Ethiopian princess who the servant to the Egyptian Princess Amneris, who is accustomed to getting what she wants.

For Tenors Radames Is A Matter Of Easy High Notes And Long Phrases

Verdi uses long phrases and a plethora of high notes to make Radames a challenge for any tenor.  From the opening aria Celeste Aida which has 4 high B flats, long phrases and challenges the tenor because there is no time to sing into it, you must be ready to go.  It is sort of like having to hit a home run as the first batter in a baseball game.  Basically, the evening is decided by this aria, because if the tenor delivers there, it sets up the rest of the performance with expectation.  The fact that the aria ends with a piano high B flat makes matters no easier.  But, if you can not only sing the aria and sing the rest of the opera, which ends with an equally challenging duet you have accomplished something.  It is not only a matter of singing it, you also have to be bold in your attitude.

Radames Opens Scenes With Strong Statements

It seems like Verdi decided that he was going to throw the kitchen sink at Radames at the beginning of every scene.  Radames hits the ground running in every scene and the brilliant dramatist Verdi creates exciting music to thrill everyone involved.

The love triangle with Radames, Amneris and Aida creates a unique tension in this opera.  It is very clear how the dynamic between the characters is, because there is a lot on the line. Kingdoms, power and love combined with an epic backdrop of Egyptian imperialism created with large choruses, ballets and orchestras.

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