Madre pietosa Vergine

Maria Callas, Commendatore OMRI (Greek: Μαρία Κάλλας) (December 2, 1923 -- September 16, 1977) was an American-born Greek soprano and one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century. She combined an impressive bel canto technique, a wide-ranging voice and great dramatic gifts. An extremely versatile singer, her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini; further, to the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, to the music dramas of Wagner. Her remarkable musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina...

Lyrics & English Translation

LEONORA
I'm here at last! Thanks be to Thee, O God!
This is my last refuge! I am here!
I am trembling! My dreadful story is known
at the inn - my own brother was telling it!
If he had discovered me! Heavens! He said
that Don Alvaro was sailing to the West!
He did not fall dead that night
when I, soaked in my father's blood,
followed him, but lost him! And now he leaves me,
he flees from me! Ah, I cannot bear such anguish!
She falls to her knees.
Mother, merciful Virgin,
forgive my sin.
Help me to erase that ingrate
from my heart.
In this seclusion
I will expiate my guilt.
Have mercy on me, Lord;
do not forsake me.

[The organ accompanying the monks' morning prayers is heard.]

CHORUS OF MONKS
[within]
Venite, adoremus et procedamus ante Deum.
Ploremus coram Domino, qui fecit nos.

LEONORA
[rising]
Ah, those sublime hymns
and organ harmonies
rising like incense
to God in Heaven
inspire my soul
with faith, comfort and peace!
Let me hasten to the holy refuge.
She moves forward.
Dare I at this hour?
[halting]
Someone might surprise me.
Oh wretched Leonora,
do you tremble? The pious monk
will not refuse to shelter you.
Do not forsake me, help me,
have mercy, Lord!
Do not abandon me, O Lord;
have mercy on me!

CHORUS OF MONKS
Ploremus coram Domino, qui fecit nos.


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