Maria Callas performs "Vissi d'arte", the popular soprano aria from the second act of the opera "Tosca" by Puccini.

Mario Cavaradossi, Tosca's lover, has been captured because he is suspected of hiding an escaped Republican. Baron Scarpia is trying to use the situation to get close to Tosca. Scarpia has the prisoner tortured to extort a concession from Tosca. Tosca sings an intimate monologue in which she asks God why she is punished like this.

Feel free to read along the lyrics or try to sing along!

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English translation:

I lived for art, I lived for love,
I never harmed a living soul!
With a discreet hand
I relieved all misfortunes I encountered.

Always with sincere faith
my prayer
rose to the holy tabernacles.
Always with sincere faith
I decorated the altars with flowers.

In this hour of grief,
why, why, Lord,
why do you reward me thus?

I donated jewels to the Madonna's mantle,
and offered songs to the stars and to heaven,
which thus did shine with more beauty.
In this hour of grief,
why, why, Lord,
ah, why do you reward me thus?

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Maria Callas, Soprano