ARIA, "O don fatale," from "Don Carlos" MISS MEISLE VERDI Guiseppe Verdi was born at Roncole, October 9, 1813; died at Milan, January 17, 1901. "Don Carlos," from which the aria through which the Italian master makes his first appeal in this series is taken, was produced at Paris, March 11, 1867. In it Verdi gave evidence of the growth, both on the musical and dramatic side, which culminated in the works which, beginning with "Aida" (1871), belong to his third period of creative activity. It was not received with enthusiasm; indeed, its success was but moderate. Whether this was due to a lack of perception on the part of the public or the absence of qualities compelling success we may not know, but the infrequency with which it is given would seem to indicate that it did not possess elements of popularity. This judgment, or, more strictly speaking, opinon, need not be considered final, for the history of opera is full of instances in which the verdict of the public ran counter to the evidence. The text of this aria, which will be sung in Italian, is herewith appended in an English translation: Oh, fatal dower, Oh, cruel boon, Which Heav'n to me in madness has granted! What maketh men so vain and haughty! Curses be on it! curses be on my beauty rare! Tears, only tears bring consolation; All hope is vain, I wake to pain! Dreadful my crime works but desolation, My peace of mind comes ne'er again! Curses be on it! Beauty so rare! Ah! Curses be on it! O beauty so rare! O queen, I love so, My heart's blind madness Has brought thy crown In ruin down. Far, where some cloister May suit my sadness, O let me hide from Heav'n's just frown! Ah, me! ah, me! Sweet queen, I love so! Great Heav'n! tomorrow Don Carlos, it may be, will die for my crime! Ah! one day is left me, And hope smiles benignly. Praised be the Lord on high, praised be God on high! His life I'll save! A day is left me. Ah! praise to God, to God on high! -Translated by Nathan Haskell Dole. |