Entertainment Music Verdi's "Caro Nome" Lyrics and English Translation A Favored Aria From Verdi's "Rigoletto" Print Verdi is one of opera's most famous composers. Adam Burn / Getty Images Music Classical Music Operas Basics Lyrics Rock Music Pop Music Alternative Music Country Music Folk Music Rap & Hip Hop Rhythm & Blues World Music Punk Music Heavy Metal Jazz Latin Music Oldies Learn More By Aaron Green Aaron Green Music Expert B.A., Classical Music and Opera, Westminster Choir College of Rider University Aaron M. Green is an expert on classical music and music history, with more than 10 years of both solo and ensemble performance experience. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on 03/10/19 Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901) composed "Rigoletto" between 1850 and 1851. The opera, a twisted tale of lust, desire, love, and deceit, would become known as one of his masterpieces. Within the performance, the aria "Caro Nome" is one of the best-known and beloved pieces. Written in Italian, the English translation demonstrates Gilda's new-found love. "Caro Nome" Italian Lyrics "Caro Nome" is sung by the lead soprano of "Rigoletto" in Act 1, Scene II. It is right after Gilda falls in love with Gualtier Maldé, a poor student who is really the Duke in disguise. The aria is brief but plays a key role in the unfolding story. Verdi wrote "Caro Nome" for a very high soprano, an interesting twist on his typical approach to such works. The aria also has what some scholars note as the composer's best work for woodwinds. Caro nome che il mio corfesti primo palpitar,le delizie dell'amormi dêi sempre rammentar!Col pensiero il mio desira te ognora volerà,e pur l' ultimo sospir,caro nome, tuo sarà. English Translation Translation by Guia K. Monti Sweet name, you who made my heartthrob for the first time,you must always remind methe pleasures of love!My desire will fly to youon the wings of thoughtand my last breathwill be yours, my beloved.