Questa O Quella

In 'Questa O Quella,' Joseph Calleja brings to life the character of the Duke of Mantua from Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Rigoletto.' The song is a bold declaration of the Duke's libertine philosophy, where he expresses his indifference towards fidelity and his preference for freedom in love. The lyrics reveal a man who views all women as equally beautiful and interchangeable, refusing to let his heart be ruled by any single one. This perspective is encapsulated in the line 'Questa o quella per me pari sono,' which translates to 'This one or that one, for me, they are the same.'

The Duke's disdain for constancy and jealousy is evident as he mocks the idea of loyalty and the jealous rage of husbands and lovers. He sees constancy as a 'tyrant of the heart' and compares it to a cruel disease. For him, true love cannot exist without freedom, and he derides those who choose to remain faithful. This libertine attitude is further emphasized when he boasts that even Argus, the mythological figure with a hundred eyes, could not keep him from pursuing beauty wherever he finds it.

Calleja's powerful tenor voice adds a layer of charm and charisma to the Duke's character, making his controversial views on love and fidelity both captivating and provocative. The song serves as a reflection of the hedonistic and carefree lifestyle that the Duke embodies, challenging societal norms and expectations about love and relationships. Through 'Questa O Quella,' listeners are invited to explore themes of freedom, desire, and the complexities of human emotions in the context of romantic relationships.