The song she had chosen was a fine setting of some words selected from Leopardi's grand Ode to Italy:,
"_O patria mia, vedo le mura c gli archi E le colonne e i simula-cri e l'erme Torridegli avi nostri_",
This was recitative: then followed,
"_Ma la gloria--non vedo_",
a mournful melody, a rhythmic plaint. After this came a climax of devout triumph--passing from the subdued adoration of a happy Andante in the words,
"_Beatissimi voi. Che offriste il petto alle nemiche lance Per amor di costei che al sol vi diede_",
to the joyous outburst of an exultant Allegro in,
"_Oh viva, oh viva: Beatissimi voi Mentre nel monde si favelli o scriva._"

The song she had chosen was a fine setting of Leopardi's grand Ode to Italy; the recitative was followed by "Ma la Gloria non vedo" - a mournful melody; then after this came a climax of devout triumph, ending in the joyous outburst of an exultant Allegro:
"Oh viva, oh viva:
Beatissimi voi
Mentre nel mondo si favelli o scriva."
