The legendary Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti sings Lamento di Federico, a famous aria from Act II of the opera L’arlesiana by Francesco Cilea. This performance was recorded during a concert at New York’s Central Park on June 28, 1993. New York Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Leone Magiera. More than 500,000 listeners gathered for Pavarotti’s free performance on that day.
Lamento di Federico
“Lamento di Federico” (“È la solita storia del pastore”) is the most famous aria from L’arlesiana, an opera composed by Francesco Cilea in 1897. Sung by the character Federico in Act II, the aria is a deeply emotional soliloquy that captures the despair and heartbreak of a young man who has lost his beloved. Federico compares his suffering to that of a shepherd who loses a lamb, symbolizing innocence and irretrievable loss.
Musically, the aria is noted for its lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and expressive phrasing. It starts with a melancholic tone and builds to a powerful climax, making it a favorite showcase for tenors with both vocal control and dramatic sensitivity. The aria became especially popular thanks to performances by great tenors like Beniamino Gigli, Giuseppe Di Stefano, and Luciano Pavarotti. Despite the opera’s relative obscurity, Lamento di Federico remains a beloved staple of the tenor repertoire.
Lamento di Federico Lyrics
Italian
È la solita storia del pastore…
Il povero ragazzo voleva raccontarla
E s’addormì.
C’è nel sonno l’oblio.
Come l’invidio!
Anch’io vorrei dormir così,
nel sonno almen l’oblio trovar!
La pace sol cercando io vo’.
Vorrei poter tutto scordar!
Ma ogni sforzo è vano.
Davanti ho sempre
di lei il dolce sembiante.
La pace tolta è solo a me.
Perché degg’io tanto penar?
Lei! Sempre lei mi parla al cor!
Fatale vision, mi lascia!
Mi fai tanto male! Ahimè!
English Translation
It’s the old tale of the shepherd…
The poor boy wanted to retell it
And he fell asleep.
There is oblivion in sleep.
How I envy him!
I too would like to sleep like that
To find oblivion at least in slumber!
I am searching only for peace.
I would like to be able to forget everything!
Yet every effort is in vain.
Before me I always have
her sweet face.
Peace is ever taken from me.
Why must I suffer so very much?
She, as always speaks to my heart.
Fatal vision, leave me!
You hurt me so deeply! Alas!
Sources
- Lamento di Federico on Wikipedia
- L’arlesiana on Wikipedia
