Bella Siccome Un Angelo

Gaetano Donizetti's 'Bella Siccome Un Angelo' is a beautiful aria from the opera 'Don Pasquale,' which premiered in 1843. The song is a duet between the characters Malatesta and Don Pasquale, and it is a lyrical ode to the idealized beauty and virtue of a woman. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, painting a picture of a woman who is as beautiful as an angel and as fresh as a lily in the morning. This woman is described as having eyes that speak and laugh, a gaze that conquers hearts, and hair that outshines ebony. Her smile is enchanting, and her presence is a source of joy and wonder for Don Pasquale.

Malatesta's description of the woman goes beyond physical beauty, highlighting her innocent and naive soul, unparalleled modesty, and innate goodness. She is portrayed as compassionate towards the less fortunate, gentle, sweet, and loving. The repeated phrase 'Il cel l'ha fatta nascere per far beato un cor' (Heaven made her to bless a heart) emphasizes the divine nature of her existence and her purpose to bring happiness to others. This idealization of feminine beauty and virtue reflects the romantic and often unattainable standards of the time, where women were seen as angelic beings whose primary role was to bring joy and comfort to men.

The interplay between Malatesta and Don Pasquale in the song also reveals the latter's excitement and joy at the prospect of marrying such a perfect woman. Don Pasquale's exclamations of 'Oh, giubilo!' (Oh, joy!) and his inability to contain his heart's delight underscore the theme of romantic idealization and the desire for a perfect partner. The aria, with its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, captures the essence of romantic longing and the celebration of idealized love, making it a timeless piece in the operatic repertoire.