In uomini, in soldati – Cosi’ fan tutte

In men, in soldiers, you’re hoping for fidelity?
Don’t let anyone here you, for goodness’ sake!
They are all made of the same stuff,
Blowing leaves, fickle breezes
Have more constancy than men!
Lying tears, false looks
Deceptive voices, lying charms
These are their best qualities!
They love us for their own pleasure,
Then they despise us, they deny us affection,
It’s worthless asking for mercy from barbarians!
We should pay them back in the same way,
This evil, indiscreet race.
Let’s love them for comfort, for vanity!

Cecilia Bartoli as Despina in Mozart's Cosi fan tutte.

Un’aura amorosa – Così Fan Tutte

A loving aura

Of our treasure

A sweet refreshment

Will come to the heart…

To the heart that, nourished

By hope, by love…

Of the best sustenance

It has no need…

Rising star Jonas Kaufmann in an early performance in Mozart's Così fan tutte.

Milan 1998.