The Aida File – The Story of the Opera by Giuseppe Verdi

The Aida File by Derek Bailey is a documentary about Verdi’s most famous opera, with Luciano Pavarotti, Carlo Bergonzi, Grace Bumbry and others. Mainly filmed in Italy, the documentary explores the myths surrounding Giuseppe Verdi, exposing the story of his life and the composition of Aida.

Whilst touring his home in Parma and the Museo alla Scala’s vast collection of the composer’s memorabilia, there are footages of past performances of Aida from La Scala’s recent production starring Pavarotti. The documentary also includes interviews with Luciano Pavarotti, Renata Tebaldi, Grace Bumbry, Carlo Bergonzi and Eva Turner, who recall their experiences with the grand opera.