![Pavarotti sings O Sole Mio [1987]](https://cdn-0.andantemoderato.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pavarotti-O-Sole-Mio-1987.jpg)
Legendary Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti sings the famous Neapolitan song “‘O Sole Mio”. Recorded during a concert at the Madison Square Garden, New York, in 1987. New Jersey Symphony Orchestra conducted by Emerson Buckley.
‘O Sole Mio
“‘O sole mio” is a well-known Neapolitan song written in 1898. Its Neapolitan language lyrics were written by the Italian poet Giovanni Capurro (February 5, 1859 – January 18, 1920) and the music was composed by the Neapolitan composer, singer, and songwriter Eduardo di Capua (May 12, 1865 – October 3, 1917) and the Italian composer Alfredo Mazzucchi (1878-1972). The title translates literally as “my sun” or “my sunshine”.
The song beautifully captures the joy and warmth of the sun, illuminating the singer’s love life. It paints a vivid picture of a clear day in Naples, where the sun’s radiance is contrasted with the even brighter beauty of the singer’s beloved.
Its melodious charm has led to countless covers and performances by artists across genres, cementing its place in global musical heritage. One of the standout adaptations of its iconic melody is “It’s Now or Never” by Elvis Presley. Often regarded as a musical symbol of Italy, especially the Naples region, “‘O Sole Mio” evokes images of romantic, sunlit Italian days.
Its appeal has crossed musical boundaries, with legendary tenors like Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, and Plácido Domingo lending their voices to this timeless piece. Whether it’s classical renditions or adaptations in different genres, this song has a unique power to transport listeners to the heart of Italy.
‘O Sole Mio Lyrics
Neapolitan lyrics
Che bella cosa è na jurnata ‘e sole,
n’aria serena dopo na tempesta!
Pe’ ll’aria fresca para già na festa…
Che bella cosa na jurnata ‘e sole.
Ma n’atu sole cchiù bello, oi ne’,
‘o sole mio sta nfronte a te!
‘o sole, ‘o sole mio, sta nfronte a te,
sta nfronte a te!
Quanno fa notte e ‘o sole se ne scenne,
me vane quasi ‘na malincunia;
sotta ‘a fenesta toia restarria
quanno fa notte e ‘o sole se ne scenne.
Ma n’atu sole cchiù bello, oi ne’,
‘o sole mio sta nfronte a te!
‘o sole, ‘o sole mio, sta nfronte a te,
sta nfronte a te!
English translation
What a beautiful thing is a sunny day!
The air is serene after a storm,
The air is so fresh that it already feels like a celebration.
What a beautiful thing is a sunny day!
But another sun that’s brighter still,
It’s my own sun that’s upon your face!
The sun, my own sun, it’s upon your face!
It’s upon your face!
When night comes and the sun has gone down,
I almost start feeling melancholy;
I’d stay below your window
When night comes and the sun has gone down.
But another sun that’s brighter still,
It’s my own sun that’s upon your face!
The sun, my own sun, it’s upon your face!
It’s upon your face!
Sources
- ‘O sole mio on Wikipedia
