One of the most closely associated opera singers with the roles of Rossini, the Spanish mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza sings the famous aria, “Una voce poco fa” (A voice a little while ago) of Gioachino Rossini’s opera buffa in two acts, “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” (The Barber of Seville). Conductor: Claudio Abbado, director: Jean-Pierre Ponnelle. Filmed at Salzburg, Atelier Durer, 1972.
Una voce poco fa
“Una voce poco fa” is a captivating and renowned aria from Gioachino Rossini’s opera “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” (The Barber of Seville), first performed in 1816. This opera, a masterpiece of the bel canto tradition, showcases Rossini’s exceptional skill in combining musical virtuosity with dramatic flair. “Una voce poco fa” is a perfect example of this, blending vocal acrobatics with rich character development.
The aria is sung by the character Rosina, a young, spirited woman living under the watchful eye of her guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who intends to marry her himself. Rosina, however, has other plans and is determined to marry the man she loves, Count Almaviva, who disguises himself as Lindoro, a poor student, to win her heart.
In “Una voce poco fa,” Rosina reflects on a voice she has just heard (Lindoro’s) and expresses her feelings of love. However, the aria does more than just portray a young woman in love; it reveals Rosina’s complexity and determination. She sings about being docile and obedient, but when crossed, she can become a viper, ready to defend her love and her freedom. This duality in Rosina’s character is brilliantly conveyed through the music.
The aria is characterized by its virtuosic vocal lines, including rapid runs, trills, and leaps, demanding a high level of technical proficiency from the soprano or mezzo-soprano performing it. These technical elements are not just for show; they are deeply integrated with the character’s emotions and thoughts, making the aria a highlight of operatic character portrayal.
Rossini’s music in “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” is known for its energy, wit, and inventive use of orchestration, and “Una voce poco fa” encapsulates all these elements. It has a bright, lively orchestration that supports and interacts with the vocal line, creating a dynamic and engaging musical experience.
Una voce poco fa Lyrics
Una voce poco fa, Rosina’s aria from Il barbiere di Siviglia:
Una voce poco fa
Una voce poco fa
qui nel cor mi risuonò;
il mio cor ferito è già,
e Lindor fu che il piagò.
Sì, Lindoro mio sarà;
lo giurai, la vincerò. (bis)
Il tutor ricuserà,
io l’ingegno aguzzerò.
Alla fin s’accheterà
e contenta io resterò.
Sì, Lindoro mio sarà;
lo giurai, la vincerò.
Sì, Lindoro mio sarà;
lo giurai, sì.
===
Io sono docile, son rispettosa,
sono obbediente, dolce, amorosa;
mi lascio reggere, mi lascio reggere,
mi fo guidar, mi fo guidar.
Ma,
ma se mi toccano
dov’è il mio debole
sarò una vipera, sarò
e cento trappole
prima di cedere
farò giocar, giocar.
E cento trappole
prima di cedere
farò giocar, farò giocar. (bis)
(Si ripete da: Io sono docile…)
English translation: A voice has just
A voice has just
echoed here into my heart
my heart is already wounded
and it was Lindoro who shot.
Yes, Lindoro will be mine
I’ve swore it, I’ll win. (bis)
The tutor will refuse,
I’ll sharpen my mind
finally he’ll accept,
and happy I’ll rest.
Yes, Lindoro will be mine
I’ve sworn it, I’ll win.
Yes, Lindoro will be mine
I’ve sworn it, yes.
===
I’m gentle, respectful
I’m obedient, sweet, loving
I let be ruled, I let be ruled,
I let be guided, I let be guided.
But,
but if they touch
where my weak spot is
I’ll be a viper
and a hundred traps
before giving up
I’ll make them fall.
And a hundred traps
before giving up
I’ll make them fall. (bis)
A voice a while back (Version 2)
A voice a while back
echoes here in my heart;
already my heart has been pierced
and Lindoro inflicted the wound.
Yes, Lindoro shall be mine;
I swear it, I will win. (bis)
My guardian will refuse me;
I shall sharpen all my wits.
In the end, he will be calmed
and I shall rest content…
Yes, Lindoro shall be mine;
I swear it, I will win.
Yes, Lindoro shall be mine;
I swear it, yes.
===
I am docile, I’m respectful,
I’m obedient, gentle, loving;
I let myself be ruled, I let myself be ruled,
I let myself be guided, I let myself be guided.
But,
but if they touch me
on my weak spot,
I’ll be a viper
and a hundred tricks
I’ll play before I yield.
And a hundred tricks
I’ll play before I yield.
(it repeats from: I am docile…)
Sources
- Un voce poco fa Lyrics from lyricstranslate.com
- The Barber of Seville on Wikipedia
