from Act I, Scene 1 of the Italian opera
Giovanna d'Arco by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto: Temistocle Solera
Role: Giacomo, a shepherd
Voice Part: baritone Fach: dramatic baritone
Setting: A rocky area close to the city of Rheims, France, 1429
Synopsis: The English are in retreat and are about to pull out of France altogether when Giacomo approaches them. He offers to hand over his daughter to them for she was the one who rallied the French to victory. After railing against the disgrace of the French king that caused Giacomo to betray his country, he continues on into this cabaletta attempting to reconcile his love for his daughter that he is betraying.