Great Moments In Opera, Mozart's "La Ci Darem La Mano" From Don Giovanni

The aria "La Ci Darem La Mano" is taken fromZerlina for her part is still wondering as to the sincerity
Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni" which is based onof his offer as Don Giovanni begins his aria of
Seville's famous seducer "Don Juan". It being "Donseduction with the words "La Ci Darem La Mano". This
Juan" or "Don Giovanni" who makes it his life's goal tomeaning "let me take your hand" as he continues by
seduce as many ladies as possible regardless of anyadding that she will say yes. Zerlina still not sure
factor other than that they be of the opposite gender.converts this aria in to a duet with thoughts expressed
It is in the first act of this two act opera that Donas "I want to but I do not want to, my heart shakes a
Giovanni spots a lovely peasant girl by the name oflittle, I know I will be happy but I feel sorry for Masetto".
Zerlina, whom his taste dictates he must introduce toDon Giovanni however being of the ways of gentle
the acts of sexuality. This in spite of the fact orpersuasion continues his seduction by telling her he will
perhaps motivated further by it that she is engaged tochange her lot in life. Zerlina at this point influenced not
be married to a man by the name of Masetto. Dononly by Don Giovanni's words as well as caress
Giovanni however being one who is not deterred bybecomes unsure as she claims again she wants to but
such factors approaches the group in which Zerlinadoes not want to, only to have Don Giovanni repeat
finds herself in at the time and offers the hospitality ofhe will change her lot as he urges her tenderly to go
his home so Masetto and her friends might takewith him. Zerlina at this point no longer feels capable of
refreshment in his generosity; naturally while Donrefusing as she claims "non sono pui forte" (I am no
Giovanni himself keeps Zerlina in the private delight oflonger strong) and joins Don Giovanni in a common cry
his charm.of "andiam andiam a veri, a ristorar di veri, un inocente
 amor" (let's go and consummate this innocent love).
Masetto however is cautious of Don Giovanni and 
mentions that Zerlina can not remain at a distanceDon Giovanni having been successful at his attempt of
from his society; only to be told by Leporello that she isseduction and sure that theirs will end in the ecstasy of
in the hands of a gentleman who will take over his rolepassion takes Zerlina in to his arms and kisses. Zerlina
of protector of her in the most gallant of ways. Thisbeing more than willing to allow him to do on to her
precisely what Masetto feared leads him to protestbody as he will; for she will do likewise on to him. It
further yet only to be told by Don Giovanni that if shehowever is as all was ready for Don Giovanni's and
does not leave without further reply; his actions he willZerlina's carnality that Dona Elvira (one of the many in
repent. It is then that Masetto accepts Zerlina's decisionDon Giovanni's love life) appears and warns Zerlina not
to remain in the exclusive company of Don Giovannito give in to her seducer. This being advice which
and declares he has understood how his love forunfortunately for Don Giovanni, Zerlina heeds to as she
Zerlina will be his ruin.and Dona Elvira take their leave of Don Giovanni and
 his ways.
Once alone Don Giovanni declares that though 
Masetto is a man of gallantry, he is not appropriate forI, however for what concern me would love to seduce
Zerlina, for she deserves more than the mere life of athe worship of my opera life, Angela Gheorghiu in the
peasant; as he himself wishes to take her to wife. Thissame fashion and though I can not sing; I most
being that which captures Zerlina by surprise as she inassuredly can create fantasy of delight that she might
confusion repeats his offer to which Don Giovanniwish for ours to end in sexuality yet I however would
confirms what her ears have taken in by offering hisnot like for ours to be interrupted; as was the case
castle and all that is to be found in it in the ways of joy.with Don Giovanni and Zerlina.