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 "none shall 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 BBC's theme for the 1990 Football World Cup in the UK and has since then become the tenor's signature song outside Italy. It is used as the soundtrack of many television shows and movies, particularly those associated with football.
Trivia
Aretha Franklin stepped in at the last minute to sing this standard at the 1998 Grammy telecast when Luciano Pavarotti took ill. Pavarotti returned to the Grammys the following year to sing the aria himself."Nessun dorma" was played in the movie Sum of All Fears during the concluding scenes that showed the eradication of the villains by character John Clark.
"Nessun dorma" is included on the 2002 Album Warriors of the World by the American Heavy metal band Manowar.
"Nessun dorma" was part of the album The Essential Pavarotti, the only classical album to reach No. 1 in the UK album chart, topping the charts from July 7 to July 21 1990.
In the second episode of House M.D., second season, the main character Gregory House appears listening "Nessun dorma" with his IPod inside one of the hospital's bathrooms.
For other trivia and usage of "Nessun dorma" in media and events, see Turandot in the media and events.
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
External links
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