Roi d'Étre et de Néant

I saw Roméo et Juliette performed by the UNT Opera Singers last night and it was superb. Anyone who hasn't seen an opera here or elsewhere should definitely go see it. I love Gounod's rendition of the story: it's witty, fun, passionate and saddening all at the same time. The singers were amazing. I recently started appreciating opera a few years ago, but I had no idea that there was such a huge difference in being there and in just listening to it on the radio. Their voices literally shake you from the inside out. Now I know why some people are so adamant about going to concerts--there's no substitute.

This was actually the second production I've seen by the UNT music department. The first was Le Roi Danse, an adaptation of the music used in the film by the same name that chronicled the life of the Italian composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, who is credited for having brought opera to France during the rule of Louis XVI. That production was wonderful also, as it incorporated opera, dance and orchestra all into one piece. I really need to buy the movie.

This is my favorite song from the opera and the lyrics are so beautiful. That's one thing that makes operas so amazing, the fact that not only do is the singing amazing, but the words--what they are saying--are just as lovely.


Non! non! je ne veux pas t'écouter plus longtemps!
Laisse mon âme à son printemps!

Ah!
Je veux vivre
Dans ce rêve qui m'enivre;
Ce jour encore,
Douce flamme,
Je te garde dans mon âme
Comme un trésor!

Je veux vivre
Dans ce rêve qui m'enivre;
Ce jour encore,
Douce flamme,
Je te garde dans mon âme
Comme un trésor!

Cette ivresse
De jeunesse
Ne dure, hélas! qu'un jour!
Puis vient l'heure
Où l'on pleure,
Le cœur cède à l'amour,
Et le bonheur fuit sans retour.

Je veux vivre,
Dans ce rêve qui m'enivre;
Ce jour encore
Je te garde dans mon âme
Comme un trésor!

Loin de l'hiver morose
Laisse-moi sommeiller
Et respirer la rose
Avant de l'effeuiller.
Ah!
Douce flamme,
Reste dans mon âme
Comme un doux trésor
Longtemps encore!