from Prologue, Scene 2 of the Italian opera
Giovanna d'Arco by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto: Temistocle Solera
Role: Giovanna, Giacomo's daughter (Joan of Arc)
Voice Part: soprano Fach: dramatic coloratura
Setting: A forest, France, 1429
Synopsis: Giovanna is upset because she cannot help defend her France in its darkest hour because she is a woman. She prays to the Madonna that she will be given weapons with which she can fight against the English intruders.