Opera–Saint-Saens, Ma Coeur

Today, we have two treats for you. We are going to feature one of the most beautiful arias ever written for the female voice. It is from the opera, Samson and Delilah by Saint-Saens. In the original French the aria is called Mon coeur s’ouvre a ta voix. In the English translation it is called Softly Awakes My Heart. In any language, it is lushly gorgeous music.

In this initial post, we are going to play a video clip of Elina Garanca in concert. As you may be aware from our earlier posts, we have featured Elina many times and love her vocal quality and dramatic interpretation. This time is no different. However, as you listen, keep in mind that she is a mezzo-soprano, just one notch below a soprano. She can and does use her lower register to give you the depth of musical emotion; but she does not seem as comfortable as when he progresses up the scale.

Still, listen, watch and admire a great artist at work. She is singing in French; the language on the screen is Spanish.