One of the leading operatic singers of the 20th century, Swedish tenor Jussi Björling sings the famous tenor aria Vesti La Giubba from the 1892 opera “Pagliacci” (Clowns) by Ruggero Leoncavallo.

Jussi Björling sings the famous tenor aria Vesti La Giubba from the 1892 opera “Pagliacci” (Clowns) by Ruggero Leoncavallo

Vesti la Giubba (Put on the costume)

“Vesti la giubba” (“Put on the costume”, sometimes translated as “On With the Motley”) is a famous tenor aria from Ruggero Leoncavallo’s 1892 opera Pagliacci. “Vesti la giubba” is sung at the conclusion of the first act, when Canio discovers his wife’s infidelity, but must nevertheless prepare for his performance as Pagliaccio the clown because “the show must go on”.

The aria is often regarded as one of the most moving in the operatic repertoire of the time. The pain of Canio is portrayed in the aria and exemplifies the entire notion of the “tragic clown”: smiling on the outside but crying on the inside. This is still displayed today, as the clown motif often features the painted-on tear running down the cheek of the performer.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, this aria sung by Enrico Caruso, first recorded in November 1902, was the first million-selling record in history.

Vesti la giubba lyrics

Italian

Recitar! Mentre preso dal delirio,
non so più quel che dico,
e quel che faccio!
Eppur è d’uopo, sforzati!
Bah! Sei tu forse un uom?
Tu se’ Pagliaccio!

Vesti la giubba e la faccia infarina.
La gente paga, e rider vuole qua.

E se Arlecchin t’invola Colombina,
ridi, Pagliaccio, e ognun applaudirà!
Tramuta in lazzi lo spasmo ed il pianto
in una smorfia il singhiozzo e ‘l dolor, Ah!

Ridi, Pagliaccio,
sul tuo amore infranto!
Ridi del duol, che t’avvelena il cor!

English Translation

Act! While in delirium,
I no longer know what I say,
or what I do!
And yet it’s necessary… make an effort!
Bah! Are you not a man?
You are a clown!

Put on your costume and powder your face.
The people pay to be here, and they want to laugh.

And if Harlequin shall steal your Columbina,
laugh, clown, so the crowd will cheer!
Turn your distress and tears into jest,
your pain and sobbing into a funny face – Ah!

Laugh, clown,
at your broken love!
Laugh at the grief that poisons your heart!

Sources

M. Özgür Nevres

Published by M. Özgür Nevres

I am Özgür Nevres, a software engineer, a former road racing cyclist, and also an amateur musician. I opened andantemoderato.com to share my favorite music. I also take care of stray cats & dogs. This website's all income goes directly to our furry friends. Please consider supporting me on Patreon, so I can help more animals!

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