This aria, like Chi sa, chi sa, was written as an insertion aria for

Martin y Soler's opera Il burbero di buon core, with a libretto by

Lorenzo da Ponte, who, of course, wrote the librettos for Don Giovanni,

Cosi fan tutte, and Le Nozze di Figaro.

Many of the da Ponte librettos contain very serious moments in otherwise

comic operas, such as "Come scoglio" from Cosi, or Porgi amor and Dove

sono from Nozze. This insertion aria follows that pattern, and would

not be out of place in many more serious operas.

Madama Lucilla starts by singing "Vado" (I am going), but then there is a

pause, and she more quietly asks "Ma dove?" (But where?) "Ye gods, if for

its torments, for my sighs, Heaven feels no pity?" In the next section,

the orchestra takes on a very mournful tone in the slower "You who speak

to my heart, guide my steps, love; remove that hesitation that makes me

doubt." Like Chi sa, this aria has an air of dignity, even solemnity to

it.

© All Music Guide