“In solitaria stanza”

Giuseppe Verdi, "In solitaria stanza"
Denis Vélez, soprano; Enrique Mazzola, piano

One of Verdi's best-known songs, "In solitaria stanza" ("In a lonely room") was composed in 1838, several years before the extraordinary triumph of Nabucco truly launched Verdi on his road to supremacy as the greatest genius of Italian opera in the second half of the nineteenth century. This song offers a stately melody, in an easily flowing 6/8. Clearly meant for salon performances, the vocal range isn't particularly extended, yet in a brief but glorious ascent and descent of the vocal line, this music anticipates the soaring first aria of Leonora in Verdi's Il trovatore (1853). The singer here—having lamented that a young woman (a dear friend, surely) lies in a solitary room in great pain—now cries out, "Save this heavenly beauty, o merciful gods."

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*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

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About the Ryan Opera Center

About the Ryan Opera Center

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. The program's Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 400 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is honored to enjoy the support of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor, along with full-time staff Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.

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Photos: Kyle Flubacker