Giuseppe Giacomimi is, along with Mario Del Monaco and Ramon Vinay, one of the truly great dramatic tenors of the 20th century. This stentorian rendition of Celeste Aida is typical. Giacomini is not only a great vocal talent, he is a superb musician and stylist. A conservatory graduate, with honors, he is on very sure footing with the great parts he mastered. I would call attention especially to the phrasing of this extremely well known aria. If you listen carefully, you will hear singing where you are accustomed to hearing breathing: he ran the phrases to their natural linguistic and musical climax. His stage Italian is also very refined, with the closed e's and o's carefully observed. This may escape the ear of the non Italian speaking listener, but it does not escape the notice of Italian speakers.
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Watch videos with other singers performing Celeste Aida:
RADAMČS Se quel guerrier Io fossi! se il mio sogno S'avverasse!... Un esercito di prodi Da me guidato... e la vittoria... e il plauso Di Menfi tutta! E a te, mia dolce Aida, Tornar di lauri cinto... Dirti: per te ho pugnato, per to ho vinto!
Celeste Aida, forma divina. Mistico serto di luce e fior, Del mio pensiero tu sei regina, Tu di mia vita sei lo splendor.
Il tuo bel cielo vorrei redarti, Le dolci brezze del patrio suol; Un regal serta sul crin posarti, Ergerti un trono vicino al sol.
Celeste Aida, forma divina, Mistico raggio di luce e fior, ecc.
English Libretto or Translation:
RADAMČS If I were that warrior! If my dreams were to come true! A valiant army led by me… and victory… and the acclamations of all Memphis! And to return to you, my sweet Aida, crowned with laurels… to tell you: for you I fought, for you I conquered!
Heavenly Aida, form divine, mystical garland of light and flowers, of my thoughts you are the queen, you are the light of my life.
I would return to you your lovely sky, the gentle breezes of your native land; a royal crown on your brow I would set, build you a throne next to the sun.
Heavenly Aida, form divine, mystical gleam of light and flowers, etc.