kenw@lcuxc.UUCP (K Wolman) (02/20/85)
Another gotcha! from Act I, Scene ii of "Aida" which tends to blow first-time listeners/spectators out of their seats given a reasonably competent performance: The long invocation/dedication scene involving Radames, Ramfis, and the chorus of priests seems to end on an almost inaudible "Noi t'invochiam." The scene does not end there, however; instead of a slow curtain, a quick tympani roll is followed by the entire ensemble full-voicing the name of their god: "Immenso Phta! Immenso Phta!" with the full Verdian orchestra supporting them. Even for those who know the opera, it is still one of the electric moments in the score. -- Ken Wolman Bell Communications Research @ Livingston lcuxc!kenw "Maybe, and that's final!"