Ebben! Ne andrò lontana - La Wally
Maria Callas
The Heartbreaking Farewell of La Wally
Maria Callas, one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century, brings to life the poignant aria 'Ebben! Ne andrò lontana' from the opera 'La Wally' by Alfredo Catalani. This aria is a powerful expression of sorrow and resignation, as the protagonist, Wally, decides to leave her home and everything she knows behind. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and deep emotion, capturing the essence of Wally's internal struggle and her ultimate decision to seek solace in isolation.
The repeated lines 'Ne andrò sola e lontana' (I will go alone and far away) emphasize Wally's sense of solitude and determination. She compares her departure to the echo of a church bell, a sound that fades into the distance, symbolizing her gradual disappearance from the lives of those she loves. The references to 'la neve bianca' (the white snow) and 'le nubi d'ôr' (the golden clouds) create a stark contrast between the cold, harsh reality she faces and the fleeting, almost ethereal hope she clings to.
Wally's farewell to her mother's joyful home is particularly heart-wrenching. She acknowledges that she may never return and that those she leaves behind may never see her again. This sense of finality and loss is palpable throughout the aria, making it a deeply moving piece. The themes of hope, regret, and pain are intertwined, reflecting Wally's complex emotions as she embarks on her lonely journey. Maria Callas's powerful and emotive performance adds an extra layer of depth to this already profound piece, making it a timeless classic in the world of opera.