from Act I, Scene 1 of the Italian opera
Semiramide by Gioacchino Rossini
Libretto: Gaetano Rossi
Role: Semiramide, the Queen of Babylon, mother of Arsace
Voice Part: soprano Fach: dramatic coloratura
Setting: the Temple of Baal, ancient Babylon
Synopsis: Semiramide expresses her great joy that her general Arsace has returned to her side. She is in love with him, although she does not realize that he is actually her son.