Information about the piece

Va, pensiero, also known as the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, is one of the most celebrated pieces by Italian composer, Giuseppe Verdi. This compelling choral song forms part of Verdi's opera, Nabucco, which premiered in Milan in 1842.

• Within the opera, the song expresses the longing by the enslaved Hebrews on the banks of the Euphrates, yearning for their homeland. The resonance with the state of Italian politics at the time struck a chord with audiences.

• The inspiration for the song is said to have come from Verdi’s own sense of despair and longing. When penning Va, pensiero, Verdi himself was going through a tumultuous period of personal loss and professional failure. He poured his emotions into the music, elevating it to a standard which has since been lauded as his first monumental success.

• In terms of musical theory, the song follows a simple verse-chorus form. The melodic line is elegant yet powerful, with an accompaniment that is harmonically supportive. The emphasis laid on the choir’s harmonisation, strengthened by unison singing at key moments, expresses the collective aspiration of freedom.

Presently, Va, pensiero remains an iconic part of Italian cultural heritage, often interpreted as symbolic of the journey of the Italian nation towards unification. It has found new life beyond the opera in various performances and popular culture.

For intermediate piano players looking to add this timeless piece to their repertoire, a sheet music arrangement of Va, pensiero is available for purchase and download. Here on our site, we ensure every aspiring pianist has access to the best version of the music that suits their skill level.