Di Quella Pira

“Di quella pira” is one of those moments in Italian opera where the floor practically shakes under the tenor’s feet. It is the famous cabaletta from Act III of Il trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi, sung by Manrico, the troubadour-warrior, as he sees the flames rising from the pyre where his mother Azucena is about to be executed. Manrico is essentially rallying his men to arms. The music is all forward motion—rhythmic, urgent, almost reckless. It’s the operatic equivalent of charging into battle with your heart on fire. This arrangement is on the Florida Bandmasters Association Contest List, grade 5.