from Act III of the German opera
Rienzi by Richard Wagner
Libretto: Richard Wagner
Role: Adriano, son of Stefano Colonna
Voice Part: mezzo-soprano Fach: dramatic mezzo
Setting: the front of the Forum in Rome, Italy, middle of the 14th century
Synopsis: Adriano's father and the rest of the Roman noblemen are plotting against Rienzi, the Tribune of Rome, who seeks to return the power of Rome's government to the people. However, Adriano's loyalty is torn because he is also in love with Rienzi's daughter, Irene. He asks God how he can reconcile the differences between his father and Rienzi and hopes that, in the end, all will be resolved.