Caro Nome - Rigoletto

In 'Caro Nome,' a poignant aria from Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Rigoletto,' Maria Callas brings to life the character of Gilda, who is deeply in love with a man she knows as Gualtier Maldè. The aria is a beautiful expression of Gilda's infatuation and the emotional turmoil she experiences. The lyrics reveal her tender feelings and the profound impact this love has on her heart. She cherishes the name 'Gualtier Maldè,' which has become synonymous with her first experience of love, and she vows to keep it etched in her heart forever.

The aria begins with Gilda recalling the name of her beloved, 'Gualtier Maldè,' and how it has become a part of her very being. She describes the name as having made her heart 'first palpitate,' signifying the awakening of her romantic feelings. This name, and the love it represents, brings her immense joy and is a constant reminder of the delights of love. Gilda's thoughts and desires are perpetually drawn to this name, and she imagines that even her last breath will be dedicated to it.

As the aria progresses, Gilda recounts the moment she first saw her beloved in the temple, where he appeared to her as a beautiful and fateful young man. Although they did not speak, their hearts communicated through their eyes. She recalls how he approached her furtively, claiming to be a poor student, and professed his love with a passionate heart. However, her happiness was short-lived as she was suddenly abducted by men who brought her to her current state of anxiety and distress. This dramatic turn of events adds a layer of tragedy to Gilda's love, highlighting the vulnerability and intensity of her emotions.

Maria Callas's rendition of 'Caro Nome' captures the innocence, passion, and sorrow of Gilda's character. Her powerful voice and emotive delivery convey the depth of Gilda's love and the pain of her separation from her beloved. The aria is a testament to the enduring power of love and the profound impact it can have on one's life, even in the face of adversity.