“Il mio tesoro” is a staple of the operatic tenor repertoire. This aria comes from Don Giovanni, one of three operas composed by Mozart on libretti by Lorenzo da Ponte. The “Da Ponte operas,” consisting of Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro and Così fan tutte, are recognized both for their widespread popularity and the progressive nature of their plots which dare to question social and moral conventions of the time.

Don Giovanni is based on the notorious and legendary character of Don Juan and details the exploitations and transgressions perpetrated by the title character. “Il mio tesoro” is performed in Act II by Don Ottavio, the fiancée of Donna Anna. Donna Anna’s father has been murdered by Don Giovanni, and Don Ottavio—now convinced that Don Giovanni was the guilty party—pledges to seek vengeance on behalf of Donna Anna.