Ella Mi Fu Rapita!... Parmi Veder Le Lagrime...

In the aria "Ella Mi Fu Rapita!... Parmi Veder Le Lagrime..." performed by Joseph Calleja, the protagonist is engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions as he grapples with the sudden disappearance of his beloved. The opening lines, "Ella mi fu rapita!" (She was stolen from me!), set the stage for a heart-wrenching lament. The protagonist is in a state of shock and disbelief, unable to comprehend how his beloved could be taken away so abruptly. This sense of loss is compounded by the desolate imagery of an empty house and the haunting question of where his 'dear angel' could be now.

The aria delves deeper into the protagonist's emotional turmoil as he reflects on the purity and virtue of his beloved. He recalls how her modest gaze inspired him to be a better person, igniting a flame of constant affection in his heart. The repetition of "Ella mi fu rapita!" underscores his anguish and the burning desire for vengeance against those who dared to take her away. This quest for retribution is not just for his own sake but also in response to the tears of his beloved, highlighting the depth of his love and commitment.

In the second part of the aria, "Parmi veder le lagrime," the protagonist envisions the tears streaming down his beloved's face as she calls out for him in a moment of peril. The imagery of her tears and the memory of their love intensify his sorrow and helplessness. He laments his inability to protect her, despite his deep desire to make her happy and shield her from harm. The aria concludes with a poignant reflection on his love, which is so profound that he does not envy the angels in heaven, as his beloved's happiness is his ultimate aspiration.