from Act II, Scene 1 of the Italian opera
Semiramide by Gioacchino Rossini
Libretto: Gaetano Rossi
Role: Arsace, the commander of the Assyrian army and unknowing son of Semiramide
Voice Part: contralto Fach: contralto
Setting: the royal palace in ancient Babylon
Synopsis: The High Priest Oroe tells Arsace that he is actually the son of the late King and Semiramide and, therefore, the heir to the throne of Babylon. He also informs Arsace that Semiramide and Prince Assur killed the King in order to bring Assur to power. Arsace is both furious and sorrowful at this news. He laments the death of his father and then swears vengeance upon his murderers.