from Act II of the Italian opera
Ernani by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto: Francesco Maria Piave
Role: Don Carlo, the King of Spain
Voice Part: baritone Fach: dramatic baritone
Setting: A hall in Don Ruy Gomez de Silva's castle, Spain, 1519
Synopsis: King Carlo has entered Silva's castle in search of the bandit Ernani. He is sure that Silva is hiding Ernani somewhere inside but Silva denies it. Carlo becomes angry and threatens to torture the information out of Silva, but retracts his offer when he sees Elvira, Silva's niece and fiancee. He offers a choice for Silva : give up Ernani or give up Elvira. Silva gives up Elvira and Carlo sings passionately to her with a slight bit of menace added in.