Elena Obraztsova: Bellini - Norma, 'Sgombra è la sacra selva'

Elena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova (Russian: Елена Васильевна Образцова) (b. in Leningrad, now St Petersburg Russia, on 7 July 1939) is a Russian mezzo-soprano, widely recognised as one of the greatest opera singers of all time, thanks to her outstanding stage presence and the vocal abilities. She has played many roles throughout her career, including performances under the baton of such leading conductors as Claudio Abbado and Herbert von Karajan. In December 1977 she opened the 200th opera season in La Scala singing Don Carlos's Eboli with Abbado as conductor. In June 2007 Obraztsova was appointed artistic director of opera at the Mikhaylovsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. She also trains young soloists in her own cultural center in St. Petersburg. Obraztsova still appears regularly on stage at the Mikhailovsky in the role of the Countess in Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades. In 2008 Obraztsova ended her artistic director contract with the Mikhailovsky to concentrate on the competition of her name and the recently announced project of International Academy of Music in St Petersburg. Obraztsova continues her collaboration with the Mikhailovsky in a capacity of the General Director's Artistic Advisor... en.wikipedia.or...
Lyrics & English Translation
The rite is finished, the sacred wood
Is empty.
Now I can sigh, unseen
At last, here where first he came to me,
My fatal Roman whose love
Made me a traitor to my vows, my God.
Had that first time been the last!
A vain desire - for I am powerless
Before that force. My heart feeds
On the sight of him, and the breeze
Repeats to me his dear voice.
Ah, protect me, God, for I am lost -
Great God, take pity, for I am lost.
A link to this wonderful artists personal Website: sopranos.freese...
Please Enjoy!
I send my kind and warm regards,