Una Voce Poco Fa - o Barbeiro de Sevilha

The aria 'Una Voce Poco Fa' from Rossini's opera 'The Barber of Seville' is beautifully performed by Maria Callas, who brings depth and nuance to the character of Rosina. In this piece, Rosina expresses her feelings upon hearing the voice of her beloved Lindoro, which resonates deeply within her heart. The lyrics reveal her wounded heart and her determination to be with Lindoro, despite the objections of her guardian, who she plans to outsmart.

Rosina's character is portrayed as sweet and obedient, yet beneath this facade, she possesses a cunning and resilient spirit. The lyrics 'Io sono docile, Son rispettosa, Sono obbediente' suggest her outward compliance, but she quickly reveals her true strength in lines like 'Ma se mi toccano dov'è il mio debole, Sarò una vipera.' This indicates that if pushed or threatened, she will fight back fiercely, using 'cento trappole' or a hundred traps before she would consider surrendering her love or her will.

The aria encapsulates the themes of love, determination, and the complexity of human emotions. Rosina's dual nature reflects the societal expectations of women during the time the opera was written, as well as the timeless struggle between personal desire and external constraints. Maria Callas’s rendition of the aria adds a layer of emotional intensity, highlighting the inner turmoil and resolve of Rosina in her pursuit of true love.