Joseph Calleja, one of the world’s leading tenors, returns with his new album ‘Verdi’. Pre-order here: The album sees Calleja explore the light and dark in Verdi’s heroic tenor roles and features guest appearances from soprano Angela Gheorghiu and baritone Vittorio Vitelli.
Verdi has a special place in Calleja’s heart, having made his debut as Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth when he was just 19. It is his first new album in six years – his last solo album ‘Amore’ was released in September 2013 and he was also part of a 2013 recording of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra. However, this new album marks a significant step into Verdi repertoire for Calleja, as he tackles new roles which has yet to play on stage.
Among the arias on the new album are ‘Di quella pira’ and ‘Ah! Si, ben mio…’ from Il Trovatore, ‘Giŕ nella notte densa’ from Otello, and ‘Celeste Aida’ from the opening scene of Verdi’s Egyptian opera. Each of the roles on this album celebrate the tenore robusto as the voice-type of an operatic hero and showcase Calleja’s powerful yet lyrical voice.
Music video for "Se quel guerrier io fossi!..Celeste Aida". (C) 2018 Decca Music Group Limited
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.