This dramatic masterpiece is a standard selection in the soprano repertoire. The origin of this concert aria, though, is swathed in mystery. We still do not know where Beethoven found the text for the aria. The text for the recitative was taken from Pietro Metastasio's "Achille in Sciro," but there it was not followed by an aria. It is also not clear why Beethoven only published the piece nine years after writing it. The critical commentary at the end of this single edition gives detailed information on the source situation and all other aspects of background information. The piano reduction is provided by Joseph Kanz.