Je crois entendre encore/A cette voix, quel trouble/La romance de Nadir

Alain Vanzo's rendition of 'Je crois entendre encore/A cette voix, quel trouble/La romance de Nadir' is a poignant exploration of longing, memory, and the haunting nature of lost love. The song, originally from Georges Bizet's opera 'Les Pêcheurs de Perles' (The Pearl Fishers), captures the emotional turmoil of Nadir, a character who is deeply troubled by the memory of a past love. Vanzo's emotive performance brings to life the inner conflict and yearning that Nadir experiences as he recalls the voice and presence of his beloved.

The lyrics convey a sense of confusion and despair as Nadir grapples with his emotions. He questions the reality of his memories, wondering if they are merely the result of fevered dreams or delirium. The repeated visions and the haunting voice of his love create a sense of remorseless obsession. Nadir's internal struggle is palpable as he admits to breaking his vow and following the traces of his beloved, only to be left with the bittersweet echoes of her voice. The imagery of being hidden under palm trees and listening to her songs carried by the night breeze evokes a sense of romantic yet painful nostalgia.

The song's recurring themes of enchantment and divine rapture highlight the intensity of Nadir's feelings. The night, stars, and warm evening winds serve as a backdrop to his memories, enhancing the dreamlike quality of his recollections. The use of phrases like 'divin ravissement' (divine rapture) and 'folle ivresse' (mad intoxication) underscores the overwhelming nature of his emotions. Vanzo's interpretation of the song captures the delicate balance between the beauty of the memories and the agony of their unattainability, making 'Je crois entendre encore' a timeless reflection on the power of love and memory.