A Masked Ball – Verdi

‘Amanda Holden’s crisp translation… the witty finale to act one irresistibly echoes Offenbach… the complications of the plot are wonderfully clarified.’
The Guardian

This translation was commissioned by Peter Moores for a new recording in the Chandos Opera in English series. It was recorded at Blackheath Concert Halls in the summer of 2003, the conductor was David Parry and the cast included Susan Patterson, Dennis O’Neill and Anthony Michaels-Moore.

The first stage performance was given by Surrey Opera in 2006. The production, by William Relton, was conducted by Jonathan Butcher.

Aria and chorus finale of act I – Di’ tu se fedele il flutto m’aspetta…

GUSTAVUS

Do you see the furious billows abating
and will my beloved be faithfully waiting?
She wept when we parted, so sweet and kind-hearted.
When tossed by the tempest my vessel is battered,
I stay on my course though my spirit is shattered,
defying the anger descending on me.
Confer with your devils in lightning and thunder
and though what you find is the ship going under,
no horror will stop me from sailing the sea;
no, no, no, no, no horror will stop me sailing the sea.
And though what you find is the ship going under,
no horror will stop him sailing the sea.
I fly with my boat through the wind and the weather,
we struggle and suffer the danger together;
my ears always ringing with songs I love singing.
I sing the old songs that we sang when I met you,
your kisses, your laughter, I never forget you
nor all of those beautiful things you have said.
Now tell me what destiny may have in store
and say when the grim reaper will come by and call
for no fear and no terror will enter my head;
no, no, no, no, no fear and no terror will enter my head.

OSCAR/CHORUS

No fear and no terror will enter his head.

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