O Mio Babbino Caro (“Oh my dear Papa”) is a soprano aria from the opera Gianni Schicchi (1918) by Giacomo Puccini (image left) to a libretto by Giovacchino Forzano. ‘It is sung by Lauretta after tensions between her father Schicchi and the family of Rinuccio, the boy she loves, have reached a breaking point that threatens to separate her from Rinuccio. It provides an interlude expressing lyrical simplicity and single-hearted love in contrast with the atmosphere of hypocrisy, jealousy, double-dealing, and feuding in the medieval Florence of Puccini’s only comedy‘. Lauretta says that if he does not permit the marriage, she will jump off the old bridge into the Arno river and kill herself.
Below is the English Translation:
Oh my dear papa,
I love him, he is handsome, handsome,
I want to go to Porta Rossa
To buy the ring!
Yes, yes, I want to go there!
And if I loved him in vain,
I would go to the Ponte Vecchio,
But to throw myself in the Arno!
I am anguished and tormented!
Oh God, I’d want to die!
𝄆 Papa, have pity, have pity!
The aria was first performed at the premiere of Gianni Schicchi on 14 December 1918 at the Metropolitan Opera in New York by the popular Edwardian English soprano Florence Easton. It has been sung subsequently by many sopranos. Dame Joan Hammond won a Gold Record in 1969 for 1 million sold copies of this aria. Below is the voice and artistry of Maria Callas singing the aria. The video opens with Maria stepping onto the stage and kneeling, as the aria is intended to be sung. The illustrated video was designed by Matteo Cozzo.
Maria Callas delivered a remarkable blend of emotional fervor and natural dramatic soprano, wielded with exceptional musicality and a passionate acting instinct. It’s said her performances showcased a profound immersion in every character she portrayed and is one of the truly magnificent voices of 20th century. I’m looking forward to watching her biopic – Maria which will appear here in cinemas shortly.
References:
1. O mio babbino caro – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Opera admittedly is totally outside my wheel house, and I know next to nothing about it. That said, I’m a huge fan of great vocals, and Maria Callas sounds absolutely incredible.
Also, this seems to be the season of the biopics. Prompted by the great “A Complete Unknown,” I watched another outstanding 2005 biopic, which was also directed by James Mangold last night: “Walk the Line,” about early phase of Johnny Cash, featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon as Johnny and June Carter Cash, respectively!
Maria Callas lived only to 53 years of age. She had a tragic life despite her insane talent as a Soprano.
I’m still incensed that ‘Complete Unknown’ hasn’t come out here. ‘Walk the line’ is a wonderful biopic. I have seen it a few times.
Cool. James Magold did another nice job here!
This is beautiful. Opera was never a choice of mine, but I appreciate the music and have heard many pieces.
I’m delighted you liked it so. Thanks Maddie!
I’m here for the Italian language. appreciate the posts about music tho! Keep going!
Ok, thank you for your support. You are learning Italian?
I used to and I plan to go back to learning it 🙂