When one thinks of the emotional aria, “Nessun Dorma”, it is likely that they associate it with the legendary Luciano Pavarotti. This song is said to be one of the best known Italian songs in America. “Nessun Dorma” it is Italian for “None Shall Sleep”. In Pucinni’s Turandot, an unknown prince sings the song. In 1972, this song reached its popularity when it was used as the theme song of the 1990 FIFA WORLD CUP in Italy on the BBC television channel. As a result, this song reached number two on the UK singles chart.
Lyrics
(Calaf, the unknown prince)
None shall sleep! None shall sleep! You too, princess,
In your cold room
You watch the stars
Trembling of love and hope…
But the mystery of me is locked inside of me
No one will know my name!
No, no, I will say it on your mouth,
When the light will shine!
And my kiss will melt the silence
that makes you mine.
(Choir, voices of women)
No one will know my name…
And we will, unfortunately, have to die, die!
(Calaf, the unknown prince)
Leave, oh night! Set, stars!
Set, stars! At sunrise, I will win!
I will win! I will win!