sacre antiche piante

[Opera fan]

What does it mean in aria Casta Diva from Opera Norma:

Casta Diva, Cche inargenti Queste sacre antiche piante,Al noi volgi il bel sembiante,Senza nube e senza vel! Thanks

 

[Aiuola]

It could be (maybe) something like this:

Casta Diva,
che inargenti queste sacrea antiche piante
a noi volgi il bel sembiante
senza nube e senza veli

Casta Diva,
you cast a silver sheen on these sacred ancient plants,
turn to us your beautiful appearance
without clouds and without veils.


Hope it helps!

Aiuola

 

[Opera fan]

Sorry,I don't think piante means plants.
I know all other verses

 

[Aiuola]

Maybe this could be of help:

http://www.beverlysillsonline.com/text/l_norma01.htm

Ciao!
Aiuola

 

[Hermocrates]

Sorry,I don't think piante means plants.
I know all other verses

Why do you think it is unlikely?

I'm not familiar with this opera, could you please describe the context (situation) in which this aria is sung?


Rye

 

[neuromatico]

Here's another variation:

O chaste goddess, who bathes in silver light
These ancient, hallowed trees,
Turn thy fair face upon us,
Unveiled and unclouded...

 

[Hermocrates]

I did a little research and found out this aria is from the first act, set in a grove of trees.

I think "piante" can only possibly refer to the trees in the grove, in this context. None of the other meanings of the Italian word "pianta" would suit this context, I'm afraid (the other meanings being "foot sole" and "map").

Rye

 

[renminds]

That's "plants".

According to this site, Norma is pronouncing a prayer towards the moon (luna, see inargentare #2 on De Mauro) after having cut the mistletoe (the plants).

I think she is talking with the Moon and says that it shines upon them (has a good looking, see sembiante too) in the sky that is clear, without clouds.

Bye,
Renminds

 

[Opera fan]

I've seen it translated as HILLSIDES, but I can't find a confirmation for it.