Robert Blocker, Dean
December 11, 2020
Yale Opera Gerald Martin Moore, director
Fall Aria Showcase
Franz Schreker “In einem Lande ein bleicher König” from Der ferne Klang (1903) Schreker 1878–1934 Phillip Lopez, bass-baritone Kyle Swann, piano
Giuseppe Verdi “Sul fil d'un soffio etesio” from Falstaff (1893) Arrigo Boito 1813–1901 Nicole Leung, soprano Timothy Shaindlin, piano
Pyotr Ilyich “King René’s Aria” from Iolanta, Op. 69 Modest Ilyich Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky 1840–1893 Alireza Tousi, bass Kyle Swann, piano
Gustave Charpentier “Depuis le jour” from Louise (1896) Charpentier 1860–1956 Greer Lyle, soprano Gerald Martin Moore, piano
Wolfgang Amadeus “Se all'impero, amici Dei” from La clemenza di Tito, K. 621 Caterino Mazzolà Mozart 1756–1791 Ryan Capozzo, tenor Gerald Martin Moore, piano
Gian Carlo Menotti “Lullaby” from The Consul (1949) Menotti 1911–2007 Julia Orosz, mezzo-soprano Kyle Swann, piano
Gioachino Rossini “Sì, ritrovarla io giuro” from La Cenerentola (1816) Jacopo Ferretti 1792–1868 Jordan Costa, tenor Gerald Martin Moore, piano
David T. Little “You Shiver” from JFK (2016) Royce Vavrek b. 1978 Anna Kelly, mezzo-soprano Timothy Shaindlin, piano
Jules Massenet “Quand apparaissent les étoiles” from Don Quichotte (1909) Henri Caïn 1842–1912 Jonas Jud, bass Timothy Shaindlin, piano
Giacomo Meyerbeer “Nobles seigneurs, salut!” from Les Huguenots (1836) Eugène Scribe & 1791–1864 Émile Deschamps Martina Myskohlid, mezzo-soprano Timothy Shaindlin, piano
Ruggero Leoncavallo “E fra quest'ansie… E allor perché” from Pagliacci (1892) Leoncavallo 1857–1919 Matthew Peterson, baritone Kyle Swann, piano
Francesco Cilea “È la solita storia del pastore” from L'arlesiana (1897) Leopoldo Marenco 1866–1950 Jonghyun Park, tenor Gerald Martin Moore, piano
Igor Stravinsky “No Word from Tom” from The Rake’s Progress (1951) W. H. Auden & 1882–1971 Chester Kallman Magdalena Kuzma, soprano Gerald Martin Moore, piano
Texts & Translations
In einem Lande ein bleicher König Once, in a land, a pale king Text by Franz Schreker Translation by Phillip Lopez
In einem Lande ein bleicher König, Once, in a land, a pale king Der hat eine seltsame Kron’... Had a strange crown... Die Krone dem König das Leben vergällt, The king’s crown spoils his life, Die Krone will er nicht tragen mehr; He no longer wants to wear the crown... Die Kron’ ist verflucht, die Kron‘ ist verdammt: The crown is cursed, the crown is damned: „O Vater; dien trauriges Erbe!“ “Oh father, your cursed inheritance!”
Denn wenn im Herzen des armen Königs, Because, if in the heart of the poor king, Ach, nur ein Hauch von Liebe sich regt, Ah, only a hint of love stirs, So fängt die Krone zu glühen an. The crown starts to glow as well. Die Krone will er nicht tragen mehr... He no longer wants to wear the crown... Die Kron‘ ist verflucht, die Kron‘ ist verdammt, The crown is cursed, the crown is damned, Die Krone versengt ihm die Stirn... The crown scorches his forehead...
Doch ge treu seiner Pflicht, für Thron und Reich Yet, true to his duty, to the throne and kingdom, Duldet einsam der bliche König. The pale king endures, alone.
Bis eines Tags eine heiße Lieb Until the day when a burning love Das Herz des Königs mit Macht er greift. Seizes the heart of the king with power. Von der Liebsten kann er nicht lassen mehr He cannot let go of his love any more Und die Krone glüht, And the crown glows, Und die Krone sengt, And the crown singes, Die Krone brennt bis ins Gehirn! The crown stings him even to the brain!
Da wirft der König die Krone ins Meer The king throws the crown in the sea Und gar schaurig in brandenden Wogen And horridly, even in surging waves, Erlischt die Glut. Its glowing heat extinguishes.
Doch aus der Tiefe klingt es wie Zimbeln Yet out of the deep it sounds like cymbals, Und Hochzeitsgeläut: And wedding bells:
Aufsteigt da eine blasse Frau, There a pale woman rises up Mit irrem Blick und mit nassem Haar. With wild eyes and wet hair. Sie langt nach dem König, She reaches for the king, Sie zieht ihn hinab. And she pulls him below.
„Oh Vater, dein trauriges Erbe!“ “Oh father, your cursed inheritance!”
Sul fil d'un soffio etesio On the breath of an etesian breeze Text by Arrigo Boito Translation by Jennifer Silberberg
Sul fil d'un soffio etesio On the breath of an etesian breeze scorrete, agili larve; scurry, agile shadows fra i rami un baglior cesio among the branches a bluish-grey glow d'alba lunare apparve. of the rising moon has appeared. Danzate! E il passo blando Dance! And may the gentle steps misuri un blando suon, measure a gentle sound, la magiche accoppiando carole combining the magical dances alla canzon. with the song.
Erriam sotto la luna Let us wander beneath the moon, scegliendo fior da fiore; choosing flower by flower; ogni corolla in core each crown of petals, in its heart, porta la sua fortuna. brings its good fortune. Coi gigli e le viole With the lilies and the violets, scriviam de’ nomi arcani; let us write secret names; dalle fatate mani from our enchanted hands germoglino parole… may words blossom... parole alluminate di puro argento e d’or… words illuminated by pure silver and gold... carmi e malìe. Magic incantations and charms. Le fate hanno, per cifre, i fior. The Fairies have, for their alphabet, flowers.
Господь мой, если грешен я King René’s Aria Text by Modest Ilyich Tchaikovsky Translation © Myron Yusypovych
Что скажет он? What will he say? Какой ответ произнесёт его наука? What answers will his wisdom provide? Увидит Иоланта свет, Will Iolanta see light, иль суждена мне вечно мука знать дочь мою or, am I forever doomed to be tormented by my объятой тьмою! daughter's darkness? О Боже, сжалься надо мною! O Lord, have mercy on me! Господь, уж если грешен я, за что страдает Heavenly Father! If I am the sinner, why is this ангел чистый? pure angel suffering? За что поверг из-за меня во тьму Иоланты What have I done, that You have cast Iolanta into взор лучистый? the realm of darkness? О дай мне радостую весть, утешь надеждой I beg You, give me joyful news and bless me with исцеленья. the hope of a recovery. Я за неё готов принесть корону, власть, мои In return, I am prepared to give up my crown, my владенья… power, my possessions… Лиши меня всего: покоя, счастья. Retaining only peace and joy. Я всё смиренно претерплю, за всё Тебя I glorify You! In agony, I surrender myself and благословлю, смотри, готов во прахе пасть я. fall before You in the dust. Всего лишиться, всё отдать. I am prepared to leave everything, give everything away. Но, только дай мне не видать Иоланть взор If only You would remove the darkness from обьятым тьмою! Iolanta's eyes. О Боже, сжалься надо мной. O Lord, have mercy on me! Перед Тобой готов во прахе пасть я. I am prepared to submit to You. О Боже, Боже мой! O Lord, my Lord! Сжалься! Сжалься надо мною! I beg You! Have mercy on me!
Depuis le jour Since the day Text by Gustave Charpentier Translation by Stacey Martin
Depuis le jour où je me suis donnée, Since the day I gave myself, toute fleurie semble ma destinée. my fate seems all in flower. Je crois rêver sous un ciel de féerie, I seem to be dreaming beneath a fairy sky, l'âme encore grisée de ton premier baiser! my soul still enraptured by that very first kiss! Quelle belle vie! What a wonderful life! Mon rêve n'était pas un rêve! My dream was not a dream! Ah! je suis heureuse! Oh! I am so happy! L'amour étend sur moi ses ailes! Love spreads its wings over me!
Au jardin de mon coeur In the garden of my heart chante une joie nouvelle! a new joy sings! Tout vibre, Everything resonates, tout se réjouit de mon triomphe! everything rejoices in my triumph! Autour de moi tout est sourire, About me all is smiles, lumiére et joie! light and happiness! Et je tremble délicieusement And I tremble deliciously Au souvenir charmant at the delightful memory Du premier jour of the first day D'amour! of love! Quelle belle vie! What a glorious life! Ah! je suis heureuse! trop heureuse... Oh, how happy I am! Too happy!... Et je tremble délicieusement And I tremble deliciously Au souvenir charmant at the delightful memory Du premier jour of the first day D'amour! of love!
Se all'impero, amici Dei If in order to rule, dear Gods Text by Caterino Mazzolà Translation by Ryan Capozzo
Se all'impero, amici Dei, If in order to rule, dear gods, Necessario e un cor severo; A hard heart is necessary O togliete a me l'impero, Either take the empire from me, O a me date un altro cor. Or give me another heart.
Se la fe de' regni miei If the faith of my realms Coll'amr non assicuro: I cannot assure with love, D'una fede non mi curo, I care not of faith Che sia frutto del timor. That is born from fear.
Lullaby Text by Gian Carlo Menotti
I shall find for you shells and stars. I shall swim for you river and sea. Sleep my love, sleep for me. My sleep is old. I shall feed for you lamb and dove. I shall buy for you sugar and bread. Sleep my love, sleep for me. My sleep is dead.. Rain will fall but Baby won't know. He laughs alone in orchards of gold. Tears will fall but Baby won't know. His laughter is blind. Sleep, my love, for sleep is kind.
Sleep is kind when sleep is young. Sleep for me, sleep for me. I shall build for you planes and boats. I shall catch for you cricket and bee. Let the old ones watch your sleep. Only death will watch the old. Sleep, sleep...
Sì, ritrovarla io guiro Yes, I swear to find her again Text by Jacopo Ferretti Translation by Jordan Costa
Sì, ritorvarla io giuro. Yes, I swear to find her again. Amor, amor mi muove : Love, love moves me: Se fosse in grembo a Giove (Even) If she were in Jupiter’s lap, Io la ritroverò. I will find her again.
Pegno adorato e caro Token adored and dear Che mi lusinghi almeno That at least soothes me. Ah! come al labbro e al seno Ah to my lips and breast, Come ti stringerò! How I will hold you!
Noi voleremo, domanderemo, We will fly, We will ask, Ricercheremo, ritroveremo. We will search, We will find again. Dolce speranza, freddo timore, Sweet hope, cold fear, Dentro al mio core Inside my heart Stanno a pugnar; they are fighting. Amore, amore, Love, love: M'ha da guidar. You have to guide me.
You Shiver Text by Royce Vavrek
You shiver. Mumble childhood stories. Where are you Jack? Where has your mind taken you? Down some deep nocturnal labyrinth. Sleep’s subconscious corridors.
Look at you, American Phenomenon Where are you Jack? Where has your mind taken you? You may not hear me, but you must hear me out.
I shut my eyes, cover my ears, my heart in shreds, at the suggestion, the mere suggestion, of other women. Again and again and again and again.
Husband and wife. We will do this Jack. I commit myself again and again. We wear the mask of happiness, of painless devotion As photographers snap, our life caught by shutter speed.
I recommit in spite of everything. I recommit because I love you. I recommit with great hope.
Quand apparaissent les étoiles When the stars appear Text by Henri Caïn Translation by Anonymous
Quand apparaissent les étoiles When the stars appear, Et quand la nuit du fond des cieux and when the night from the depths of the heavens, Couvre la terre de ses voiles... covers the earth with her veils, Je fais ma prière à tes yeux! à tes yeux! I pray to your eyes!
Et c'est dans la fleur... And it’s in the flower, dans la fleur de tes lèvres! the flower of your lips Qui ne sauraient jamais, jamais mentir,... that could never lie, Qu'amour tout palpitant... that love, all palpitating with fever, Amour... s'est fait un nid pour s'y blottir... has made a nest to snuggle in, Tout palpitant... palpitant de fièvres... all palpitating with fever.
Nobles seigneurs, salut! Noble lords, greetings! Text by Eugène Scribe & Émile Deschamps Translation by Martina Myskohlid
Nobles seigneurs, salut! Noble lords, greetings! Une dame noble et sage, A noble and wise lady dont les rois seraient jaloux, Of whom the kings would be jealous m’a chargé de ce message, Has charged me with this message, chevaliers, pour l’un de vous. Gentlemen, for one of you. Sans qu’on la nomme, honneur ici Without naming her, all honour here au gentilhomme qu’elle a choisi! Goes to the gentleman whom she has chosen! Vous pouvez croire que nul seigneur You can believe that no gentleman has had n’eut tant de gloire ni de bonheur. such glory nor good fortune. Ne craignez mensonge ou piège, Do not fear lies nor traps, chevaliers, dans mes discours. gentlemen, in my speech. Or, salut! que Dieu protège Now, greetings, may God protect vos combats, vos amours! your combats, your loves! Or, salut, chevaliers! Now greetings, gentleman! Dieu protège vos amours! God protect your loves!
E fra quest'ansie... E allor perché Will you always live with these anxieties? Text by Ruggero Leoncavallo Translation by Matthew Peterson
E fra quest’ansie in eterno vivrai; Will you always live with these anxieties? Nedda, Nedda, Nedda! Nedda! Decidi il mio destin, Decide my fate, Nedda, Nedda rimani! Nedda, Nedda, stay! Tu il sai, la festa ha fin You know the festival has ended E parte ognun domani. And everyone leaves tomorrow. Nedda, Nedda! Nedda! Nedda! E quando tu di qui sarai partita And when you’ve left this place, Che addiverrà di me, della mia vita? What will happen to me? What of my own life?
Nedda, Nedda, rispondimi. Nedda, Nedda, answer me! Se è ver che Canio non amasti mai, If it’s true that you never loved Canio, Se è vero che t’è in odio If it’s true that you hate Il ramingare e il mestier che tu fai, This wandering and the life you’ve chosen, Se l’immenso amor tuo una fola non è, And if our love isn’t a lie, Questa notte partiam! Fuggi, fuggi, con me. Let’s leave tonight! Flee with me, Nedda.
Tell me, why did you bewitch me If you wanted to leave me without pity? Why did you kiss me Amid our ardent, burning lust? If you have forgotten those fleeting hours I can’t, and I want more!
E allor perché, di’, tu m’hai stregato Tell me, why did you bewitch me Se vuoi lasciarmi senza pietà? If you wanted to leave me without pity? Quel bacio tuo perché me l’hai dato Why did you kiss me Fra spasmi ardenti di voluttà? Amid our ardent, burning lust? Se tu scordasti l’ore fugaci If you have forgotten those fleeting hours Io non lo posso, e voglio ancor I can’t, and I want more! Que’ spasmi ardenti, que’ caldi baci That passion, those flaming kisses Che tanta febbre m’han messo in cor! That started such a burning fire in my heart!
È la solita storia del pastore It's the usual story of the shepherd Text by Leopoldo Marenco Translation by Hagy
E' la solita storia del pastore... It's the usual story of the shepherd... Il povero ragazzo The poor boy wanted to tell it, voleva raccontarla, e s'addormi. but fell asleep. C'è nel sonno l'oblio. There is oblivion in sleep.. Come l'invidio! How I envy him!
Anch'io vorrei dormir cosi, I too would like to sleep like this - nel sonno almeno l'oblio trovar! within sleep to find oblivion! La pace sot cercando io vò: I only want to find peace: vorrei poter tutto scordar. If only I could forget everything. Ma ogni sforzo è vano... Davanti But all struggles are in vain. ho sempre di lei il dolce sembiante! I still see before me her sweet visage
La pace tolta è sempre a me... But all struggles are in vain. Perché degg'io tanto penar? Why must I suffer so much pain? Lei!... sempre mi paria at cor! She!.. How she always spoke to my heart! Fatale vision, mi lascia! Fatal vision, leave me! mi fai tanto male! You hurt me so much! Oh poor me!
No Word From Tom Text by W. H. Auden & Chester Kallman
No word from Tom. Has love no voice, can love not keep A Maytime vow in cities? Fades it as the rose Cut for a rich display? Forgot! But no, to weep is not enough. He needs my help. Love hears, Love knows, Love answers him across the silent miles, and goes.
Quietly, night, O find him and caress, And may thou quiet find His heart, although it be unkind, Nor may its beat confess, Although I weep, It knows, it knows of loneliness.
Guide me, O moon, Chastely when I depart, And warmly be the same He watches without grief or shame; It cannot, cannot be thou art A colder moon, a colder moon upon a colder heart.
My father! Can I desert him And his devotion for a love who has deserted me? No, my father has strength of purpose, While Tom is weak, and needs the comfort of a helping hand. O God, protect dear Tom, support my father, and strengthen my resolve.
I go, I go to him. Love cannot falter, Cannot desert; Though it be shunned Or be forgotten, Though it be hurt, If Love be love It will not alter.
O should I see My love in need It shall not matter, It shall not matter What he may be.
I go, I go to him. Love cannot falter, Cannot desert, Cannot falter, Time cannot alter, Cannot alter A loving heart, An ever-loving heart.