Franco Corelli - E lucevan le stelle (Puccini - Tosca)

"E lucevan le stelle" ("When the stars were brightly shining") is the romanza of Mario Cavaradossi (tenor), a painter in love with Tosca, in the third act of Puccini&opera Tosca, composed in 1900 to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. It is sung by Cavaradossi while he waits for his execution on the roof of Castel Sant'Angelo. Written in B minor, it is one of the most famous opera arias. The vocal range extends from F♯3 to A4. The aria is introduced by a somber clarinet solo. The incipit of the melody (heard in outline earlier in the act, as the sky lightens and the gaoler prepares for the execution) is repeated on the lines "O dolci baci, o languide carezze" ("With sweetest kisses, tenderest caresses"), and also restated in forte in the closing bars of the opera, as Tosca jumps from the ramparts. Franco Corelli (8 April 1921 -- 29 October 2003) was a famous Italian tenor who had a major international opera career between 1951 and 1976. Associated in particular with the spinto and dramatic tenor roles of the Italian repertory, he was celebrated universally for his powerhouse voice, electrifying top notes, clear timbre, a very elegant and passionate singing and remarkable performances. Dubbed the "Prince of tenors", Corelli possessed handsome features and a charismatic stage presence which endeared him to audiences. He had a long and fruitful partnership with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City between 1961 and 1975. He also appeared on the stages...