from Prologue, Scene 2 of the Italian opera
Attila by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto: Temistocle Solera
Role: Foresto, a knight of Aquileia
Voice Part: tenor Fach: spinto
Setting: A camp in the lagoons of the Adriatic Sea at dawn, 5th century
Synopsis: After being defeated by the Huns, Foresto is hailed as the leader of his people. He is saddened because his love Odabella has been captured by the Huns, but his people inspire him to sing this cabaletta proclaiming that, although Rome has been defeated this time, it will rise once more like a phoenix from ashes.