from the one act Italian opera
Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto: Giovacchino Forzano
Role: Lauretta, the daughter of Gianni Schicchi, in love with Rinuccio
Voice Part: soprano Fach: lyric soprano
Setting: The bedroom of Buoso Donati, Florence, Italy, 1299
Synopsis: Buoso Donati has died and his relatives have found his will and discoverd that he has left all his money to the church. Furious, they do not know what to do. Rinuccio, who is in love with Lauretta but is forbidden to marry her unless he was left some of the inheritance, sends for Gianni Schicchi and Lauretta to see if they can help them. When the relatives find this out, they are furious and argue with Gianni Schicchi. Fed up, he starts to leave, but Lauretta stops him with this aria, singing that she loves Rinuccio and if doesn't help them, she will throw herself in the river and die.