Va Para El Cielo

Giuseppe Verdi's 'Va, Pensiero,' also known as the 'Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves,' is a poignant and evocative piece from his opera 'Nabucco.' The lyrics, written in Italian, express the deep longing and sorrow of the Hebrew slaves as they yearn for their homeland. The song is a powerful metaphor for the pain of exile and the enduring hope for freedom and return. The opening lines, 'Va', pensiero, sull'ali dorate' ('Fly, thought, on golden wings'), set the tone for a journey of the mind and spirit back to a place of beauty and peace, contrasting sharply with their current suffering.

The lyrics continue to paint a vivid picture of the homeland, with references to the 'clivi' (hills) and 'coll' (mountains) where the 'aure dolci' (sweet breezes) of their native soil blow. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss, as the slaves remember the beauty of their land, now seemingly out of reach. The mention of the Jordan River and the fallen towers of Zion further emphasizes the connection to a specific, sacred place, heightening the emotional impact of their lament.

In the second stanza, the song shifts to a more introspective tone, questioning why the 'arpa d'or' (golden harp) of the prophets hangs silent. This symbolizes the loss of cultural and spiritual expression, a poignant reminder of what has been left behind. The call to 'riaccendi' (rekindle) the memories and speak of the past is a plea to keep their heritage alive, even in the face of adversity. The final lines, invoking the Lord to inspire a song that instills virtue in suffering, reflect a deep resilience and faith, suggesting that even in the darkest times, there is hope and strength to be found.