[HANASHIR:11398] Verdi or Ladino?

[H & R Shubert <notfranz...>]

Since the discussion has taken a musicological turn, I thought I would post 
this query.  I've put together a concert program which includes a significant 
amount of Sephardic music.  One of the songs I love to sing is Adio Querida, 
the melody of which is strikingly like a Verdi aria.  I'm  quite curious as to 
which might have come first -- the folk song or the opera.  Does anyone know?   
Thanks,
Rachelle Shubert
Lay Cantor Rishon, Temple Israel, Ottawa
Choral Director, Kol Ha Neshama Choir, Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, Montreal
Music Educator, Hebrew Foundation School, Dollard des Ormeaux