E Lucevan Le Stelle

“E Lucevan Le Stelle” is an aria from Giacomo Puccini's opera *Tosca*, performed by the renowned tenor Plácido Domingo. The song is a poignant expression of love and despair, sung by the character Mario Cavaradossi as he faces imminent execution. The title translates to “And the stars were shining,” setting a serene yet sorrowful scene that contrasts with the turmoil in the protagonist's heart.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a cherished memory. Cavaradossi recalls a night filled with the scent of the earth and the sound of a creaking garden door. The imagery of a lover's gentle steps on the sand and her fragrant presence evokes a sense of intimacy and tenderness. The lines “O dolci baci, o languide carezze” (Oh sweet kisses, oh languid caresses) highlight the deep affection and passion he felt in those moments. However, this blissful memory is abruptly shattered as he laments the loss of his dream of love, realizing that the hour has passed, and he is left to face his fate.

The aria's emotional climax comes with Cavaradossi's despairing cry, “E muoio disperato” (And I die in despair). This line underscores the depth of his sorrow and the tragic irony that he has never loved life as much as he does now, at the brink of death. The juxtaposition of his love for life and the inevitability of his demise creates a powerful and heartbreaking moment, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and the fleeting nature of happiness.

Plácido Domingo's rendition of this aria brings out the raw emotion and dramatic intensity of the piece. His powerful voice and expressive delivery convey the profound sense of loss and longing, making “E Lucevan Le Stelle” a timeless and moving piece of operatic art.