from Act III of the Italian opera
L'Arlesiana by Francesco Cilèa
Libretto: Leopoldo Marenco
Role: Rosa Mamai, mother of Federico and L'Innocente
Voice Part: mezzo-soprano Fach: dramatic mezzo
Setting: the eve of Federico's and Vivetta's wedding on Rosa Mamai's farm, the end of May, late 1800's, Italy
Synopsis: After losing his love to the stable hand, Federico consents to marry Vivetta. However, the passion for the girl from Arles still burns inside him and he attacks the stable hand with a sledgehammer. The two are separated but Rosa Mamai decides to offer a prayer to God that she can remain strong throughout the trials that her son has put upon her.