Here's one of Armida's famous and difficult arias - "D'amore al dolce impero."  The vocal range, technique, control, and execution needed to sing this aria well is only possessed by the most well-trained and experienced sopranos, but this YouTube clip of Renee Fleming makes it seem effortless.  Follow along with Renee and read these lyrics to "D'amore al dolce impero" from Rossini's opera, Armida .

Rossini's opera, Armida, is considered by many to be home of one of the most challenging soprano roles in operatic repertoire., and after listening to several of Armida's arias, it's easy to understand why.   (I'll post one of Armida's arias with lyrics and translation for you to see what I mean.)  Learn the story of Rossini's opera, Armida, in this opera synopsis.

Though I'm partial to Maurice Durufle's "Ubi caritas," I have been thoroughly enjoying Paul Mealor's that he composed for the royal wedding in 2011.  Learn the Latin lyrics and English translation of Ubi caritas.

Here's a heartfelt love song sung by Hoffmann after he lays eyes upon the human-like mechanical doll from Jacques Offenbach's opera, Les Contes d'Hoffmann.  Learn the lyrics to "Allons! Courage et confiance...Ah! vivre deux!"