Semiramide

Much of the most sensational vocal writing in Semiramide, Rossini’s last Italian opera, is awarded to Semiramide herself, Queen of Babylon who has murdered her husband and usurped his kingdom. That central soprano part is balanced, however, by the contralto travesti role of Arsace her son – whom, until she realises his true identity, she intends to marry in the aim of making him King. The situation is all the more awkward for Arsace, who knows the truth, in that he is in love with the Princess Azema. Arsace’s “Ah! Quel giorno ognor rammento” comes from the first act of the opera where, in a dramatic and melodious Andantino, he recalls rescuing Azema from “barbarians” and, in a brilliant Allegro (“Oh! come da quel di”),    expresses the joy of his love for her.