Nessun Dorma
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"Nessun dorma" is an aria from the final Act of Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot. The aria, whose title translates from Italian as "Let no one sleep", follows the proclamation by the Princess Turandot that no-one shall sleep: they shall all spend the night attempting to find out the name of the unknown prince, Calaf, who has set the challenge. Calaf sings, indicating his certainty that their effort will be in vain.
The aria achieved pop status after Luciano Pavarotti's rendition of it was used as the theme for the 1990 Football World Cup and has since then become the tenor's signature song outside Italy. It is often used as the soundtrack of many televisions shows and movies, particularly those associated with football.
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Trivia
Aretha Franklin stepped in at the last minute to sing this standard at the 1998 Grammy telecast when Luciano Pavarotti took ill.
"Nessun dorma" was part of the album The Essential Pavarotti, the only classical album to reach No.1 in the UK singles chart, topping the charts from July 7 to July 21 1990.
On February 10, 2006, Pavarotti sang "Nessun Dorma" at the conclusion of the 2006 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Turin, Italy. His performance received the longest and loudest ovation of the night from the international crowd.
Lyrics
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Translated from the score.
The Prince
None shall sleep!... None shall sleep! Even you, o Princess, in your cold room, watch the stars, that tremble with love and with hope.
But my secret is hidden within me, my name no one shall know... No!...No!... On your mouth I will tell it when the light shines.
And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine!...
The Chorus of women No one will know his name and we must, alas, die.
The Prince Vanish, o night! Set, stars! At dawn, I will win!
See also
Notes
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