Voglio entrare per la finestra
Les Luthiers
A Comedic Serenade: The Hilarious Pursuit of Love in 'Voglio entrare per la finestra'
Les Luthiers, a renowned Argentine comedy-musical group, masterfully blends humor and music in their piece 'Voglio entrare per la finestra.' This song, presented as an aria from the fictional opera 'Leonora o El amor con juglar' by the equally fictional Giovanni Colpocorto, is a delightful parody of classical operatic traditions. The narrative follows Ludovico, a lovesick troubadour, as he attempts to serenade his beloved Leonora by climbing up to her window. The lyrics humorously depict his clumsy and fearful efforts, filled with trembling and trepidation, as he repeatedly sings about his fear of being caught by Leonora's father.
The song's comedic essence is heightened by the exaggerated Italian phrases and the mock-serious tone of the narration. Ludovico's repeated phrases 'tremo, temo, canto' (I tremble, I fear, I sing) highlight his nervousness and determination, creating a humorous contrast with the grandiose style of traditional opera. The interruptions by the elderly double bassist Gerardo Altritempi and the chaotic soloist and choir add to the farcical nature of the piece, making it clear that this is a playful take on the often overly dramatic world of opera.
Les Luthiers' clever use of musical and lyrical elements to parody classical opera is a testament to their unique style, which combines sophisticated musicality with sharp wit. The song also touches on themes of unrequited love and the lengths one will go to express their feelings, albeit in a comically exaggerated manner. The final twist, where Ludovico decides to use the elevator instead of the ladder, underscores the absurdity of his efforts and leaves the audience in stitches. This piece is a brilliant example of how Les Luthiers blend humor and music to create a memorable and entertaining experience.