Leyla Gencer: Verdi - La Forza del Destino, 'Sono giunta! Madre, pietosa Vergine'

Leyla Gencer, or Ayşe Leyla Çeyrekgil (October 10, 1928 -- May 10, 2008) was a world-renowned Turkish operatic soprano. Known as "La Diva Turca" (The Turkish Diva) and "La Regina" (The Queen) in the opera world, Gencer was a notable bel canto soprano who spent most of her career in Italy, from the early 1950s through the mid-1980s, and had a repertoire encompassing more than seventy roles. She made very few commercial recordings; however, numerous bootleg recordings of her performances exist. In particular, Gencer was associated with the heroines of Donizetti... en.wikipedia.or...
Lyrics & English Translation
LEONORA
I'm here at last! Thanks be to Thee, O God!
This is my last refuge! I am here!
I am trembling! My dreadful story is known
at the inn - my own brother was telling it!
If he had discovered me! Heavens! He said
that Don Alvaro was sailing to the West!
He did not fall dead that night
when I, soaked in my father's blood,
followed him, but lost him! And now he leaves me,
he flees from me! Ah, I cannot bear such anguish!
She falls to her knees.
Mother, merciful Virgin,
forgive my sin.
Help me to erase that ingrate
from my heart.
In this seclusion
I will expiate my guilt.
Have mercy on me, Lord;
do not forsake me.
[The organ accompanying the monks' morning prayers is heard.]
CHORUS OF MONKS
[within]
Venite, adoremus et procedamus ante Deum.
Ploremus coram Domino, qui fecit nos.
LEONORA
[rising]
Ah, those sublime hymns
and organ harmonies
rising like incense
to God in Heaven
inspire my soul
with faith, comfort and peace!
Let me hasten to the holy refuge.
She moves forward.
Dare I at this hour?
[halting]
Someone might surprise me.
Oh wretched Leonora,
do you tremble? The pious monk
will not refuse to shelter you.
Do not forsake me, help me,
have mercy, Lord!
Do not abandon me, O Lord;
have mercy on me!
CHORUS OF MONKS
Ploremus coram Domino, qui fecit nos.
A link to this wonderful artists personal Website: www.leylagencer...
Please Enjoy!
I send my kind and warm regards,