D'amor sull'ali rosee

Definition

D'amor sull'ali rosee is an aria from Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Il Trovatore,' sung by the character Leonora. This phrase translates to 'Of love on rosy wings,' and captures the essence of romantic longing and emotional intensity that characterizes Verdi's operatic style. The aria highlights the lush, lyrical melodies typical of Verdi, as well as his ability to convey deep emotional expression through vocal lines.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The aria 'd'amor sull'ali rosee' occurs in Act 4 of 'Il Trovatore,' where Leonora expresses her feelings for the nobleman Manrico.
2. Verdi wrote this piece during a time when he was focused on expanding emotional depth in his operas, making it a key example of his mature style.
3. The melodic line of the aria is characterized by soaring phrases that showcase the singer's vocal range and expressive capabilities.
4. This aria exemplifies Verdi's skill in integrating lyrical beauty with dramatic narrative, enhancing both character development and emotional impact.
5. The popularity of 'd'amor sull'ali rosee' has made it a staple in soprano repertoire, often performed in concert settings outside of the opera.

Review Questions

• How does 'd'amor sull'ali rosee' reflect Verdi's operatic style, particularly in terms of emotional expression and melody?
  • 'D'amor sull'ali rosee' is a prime example of Verdi's operatic style as it combines rich melodic lines with deep emotional expression. The soaring phrases create a sense of longing that resonates with the audience, capturing the character Leonora's romantic feelings. This aria showcases Verdi’s ability to intertwine beautiful music with dramatic narrative, enhancing the emotional weight of the story.
• In what ways does the context of 'Il Trovatore' enhance the significance of the aria 'd'amor sull'ali rosee' within the opera?
  • 'Il Trovatore' is set against a backdrop of political conflict and personal betrayal, which amplifies the significance of Leonora's aria. As she sings 'd'amor sull'ali rosee,' her emotions are intertwined with themes of love and sacrifice amid turmoil. This juxtaposition makes her yearning for Manrico more poignant, thus elevating the aria to a crucial moment that reflects both personal desire and broader struggles in the opera.
• Evaluate how 'd'amor sull'ali rosee' can be seen as a bridge between earlier operatic styles and the evolving nature of opera during Verdi's time.
  • 'D'amor sull'ali rosee' serves as a bridge between the earlier bel canto style and the more dramatic narratives emerging in mid-19th-century opera. While it retains elements of lyrical beauty typical of bel canto, its emotional intensity aligns with the verismo movement that began to flourish later. By embedding deeper psychological themes within this traditionally structured aria, Verdi not only honors past styles but also pushes the boundaries of operatic expression, paving the way for future innovations in opera.

Related terms

Verismo: An artistic movement in late 19th-century Italian opera that sought to depict everyday life and emotions with realism, often in stark contrast to the idealized characters and situations found in earlier operas.

Bel canto: A style of singing that emphasizes beautiful tone and lyrical phrasing, which was prominent in Italian opera before Verdi's time but influenced his melodic writing.

Il Trovatore: An opera by Giuseppe Verdi, first performed in 1853, which is known for its dramatic intensity, memorable melodies, and complex characters.