Although I have heard Pavarotti’s amazing rendering of Nessun Dorma over a hundred times, I have always wondered what the exact lyrics and meaning is. Several words from the aria do give major hints about the deeper meaning – dorma, d’amore, stanza, principessa, silenzio, morir, vincero…… I couldn’t put my finger on the complete act until now. After reading through the lyrics and the translation I realized how heart-wrenching and soul-touching Puccini’s arias can be. Although, La Boheme and Tosca are equally touching, Nessun Dorma from Turandot is the one that made me believe in opera and the power of music.
| The Prince | |
| Nessun dorma, nessun dorma … Tu pure, o Principessa, Nella tua fredda stanza, Guardi le stelle Che tremano d’amore E di speranza. |
No one sleeps, no one sleeps… Even you, o Princess, In your cold room, Watch the stars, That tremble with love And with hope. |
| Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me, Il nome mio nessun saprà , no, no, Sulla tua bocca lo dirò Quando la luce splenderà , Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio Che ti fa mia. |
But my secret is hidden within me; My name no one shall know, no, no, On your mouth I will speak it* When the light shines, And my kiss will dissolve the silence That makes you mine. |
| Chorus | |
| Il nome suo nessun saprà E noi dovrem, ahimè, morir. |
No one will know his name And we must, alas, die. |
| The Prince | |
| Dilegua, o notte! Tramontate, stelle! All’alba vincerò! |
Vanish, o night! Set**, stars! At daybreak, I shall conquer! |