from Act I of the French|Italian opera
Les Vêpres Siciliennes (I Vespri Siciliani) by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto: Eugène Scribe
Role: La Duchesse Hélène (La Duchessa Elena), Duke Frederick of Austria's sister
Voice Part: soprano Fach: dramatic coloratura
Setting: the main square of Palermo, 1282
Synopsis: During the 13th century French occupation of Sicily, Elena seeks the liberation of her country. She is saved from execution and plans to wed Arrigo. When she receives flowers from her friends, she shares her joy with them. However, the bells announcing her wedding serve as a signal for the Sicilians to revolt against the French, and the seemingly happy day ends in tragedy.