È la solita storia – L’arlesiana

It’s the old story of the shepherd...
The poor boy that wanted

To recount it

And he fell asleep

There is oblivion in sleep.

How I envy him!

I would like to sleep like that as well,

To at least find oblivion in sleep!

I am looking only for peace.

I would like to be able to forget it all!

But every effort is in vain.

I have always before me

Her sweet countenance.

Peace is only taken from me.

Why must I suffer so?

Her! She is always speaking to my heart!

Irresistible vision, leave me!

You hurt me so badly! Alas!

Jose Carreras sings Federico's lament from Cilea's L'arlesiana.

Colon, 1987.

Come paride vezzoso – L’elisir d’amore

As the graceful Paris

Handed the apple to the most beautiful woman,

my beloved country girl,

I offer you these flowers.         

But more glorious than him,

I am happier than him,

Because as a reward for my gift          

I will carry away your lovely heart.

I see clearly in that little face

That I am making my way into your heart.

It’s not surprising;

I’m gallant, I’m a sergeant;

There’s no beauty that can resist

The sight of a crest;

To Mars, the god of war,

Even the mother of love gives way.

Tito Gobbi as Sergeant Belcore in a somewhat dated film version of Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore.

Stride la vampa – Il Trovatore

The blaze crackles!

The unrestrained crowd

Runs to that fire

happy in appearance; 

shouts of joy

echo all around:           

Surrounded by henchmen

A woman approaches!

Menacingly shines        

On those horrible faces

That gloomy flame

That reaches to the heavens!    

The blaze crackles!

Here comes the victim,

Dressed in black,

Dishevelled and barefoot!

A fierce shout

Of death arises.           

The echo repeats

From cliff to cliff!

Menacingly shines        

On those horrible faces

That gloomy flame

That reaches to the heavens!    

Fiorenza Cossotto as Azucena in Verdi's Il Trovatore.

Firenze, 1977. Conductor: Riccardo Muti.

No, no pazzo son – Manon Lescaut

No! No! I’m crazy!

Look, I’m crazy, look,

As I cry and I beg...

As I cry, look,

As I ask for pity!...

Listen! Take me

As a cabin boy or a lower position,

And I will come happily!... Accept me!

Ah! look, I cry and I beg!

Take my blood…my life!...

I implore you, I ask you for mercy!

Ah! mercy! I will not be ungrateful!

Placido Domingo as Des Grieux in Puccini's Manon Lescaut. For me one of his best roles.

Milan, 1978.

Sì, ritrovarla io giuro – La Cenerentola

Yes, I swear I will find her.

Love, love, move me:

If she were in the lap of Jupiter

I would find her.

Beloved, dear proof

That at least gratifies me

Ah! The lip and the breast

How I will cling to you!

We will fly, we will ask,

We will seek, we will find.

Sweet hope, cold fear,

Inside my heart

They are fighting;

Love, love,

Give me guidance.

Ramon Vargas in Rossini's Cenerentola.

Met, 1997