Puccini–Tosca, E lucevan le stelle

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In Opera Arias
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It is Wednesday again, which means another aria, this time from the Puccini opera, Tosca. This is an enhanced version of an early recording by Enrico Caruso of the enchanting and heartbreaking aria, E lucevan le stella. The tenor has been unfairly sentenced to death so that the evil baritone can have his way with Tosca. I am struck by the final words:
“And I never have loved life so much!”

Here are the words in English:

And the stars were shining,
and the earth smelled sweet,
the garden gate scraped,
and a step brushed the sand.
She came in, fragrant,
and fell into my arms.
Oh! sweet kisses, oh! languid caresses,
while I, trembling, released her lovely features from their veils!
My dream of love has vanished forever.
The moment is gone, and I die in despair!
And I never have loved life so much!