Rataplan (from 'The Force of Destiny') - G. Verdi

Mezzo soprano, choir ad lib. and concert band.

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), the greatest Italian opera-composer, composed his opera La Forza del Destino in 1862. The famous Rataplan is sung at the end of the third act by the gipsy girl Preziosilla (a mezzo soprano) and is answered by the Italian soldiers and market people. It is a happy and rhythmic song to fire the victory over the German army.