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"O quante volte" Lyrics and Text Translation

Giulietta's Aria from Bellini's I Capuleti e I Montecchi

By , About.com Guide

Bellini's opera, I Capuleti e I Montecchi tells the story of the Capulets and Montegues. "O quante volte" is sung by Giullietta during the second scene of act I. The aria is rather sorrowful, as it portrays Giullietta's longing for Romeo. If you are not familiar with the aria, here's a wonderful YouTube recording of Natalie Dessay.

Italian Text
Oh! quante volte,
Oh! quante ti chiedo
Al ciel piangendo
Con quale ardor t'attendo,
E inganno il mio desir!
Con quale ardor t'attendo,
E inganno il mio desir!

Raggio del tuo sembiante
Parmi il brillar del giorno:
L'aura che spira intorno
Mi sembra un tuo sospir.
L'aura che spira intorno
Mi sembra un tuo sospir.

English Translation
Oh! How many times,
Oh! How many times I've asked you,
Crying to the heavens
ardor to which I await,
And deceives my desire!
Ardor with which I await,
And deceives my desire!

The radius of your countenance
Is like the shine of day to me:
The breeze that blows around me
I think of one of your sighs.
The breeze that blows around me
I think of one of your sighs.

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