Dame Joan Sutherland \u2013 \u201cTornami a vagheggiar\u201d Aria of Alcina I Act Scene XV \u2013 \u201cAlcina\u201d (1735) \u2013 Georg Friedrich H\u00e4ndel (1685 – 1759).<\/p>\n
I consider this rendering of “Tornami a vagheggiar” the best Dame Joan Sutherland’s performance in this “aria”, during the whole of her career. This is a full and expanded rendition, the voice is very controlled but intensely expressive. Sir Malcolm Sargent directs with great breadth and breath.
\n–
\n“Dame Joan Sutherland, in exceptionally fine and youthful form, sings the aria which earned her the name ‘La Stupenda’ at La Fenice: ‘Tornami a vagheggiar’ from Handel’s opera ‘Alcina.’ This concert, conducted by Malcolm Sargent, was broadcast live from the BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall in August of 1960.”<\/p>\n
“TORNAMI A VAGHEGGIAR”<\/p>\n
“Tornami a vagheggiar,
\nte solo vuol amar
\nquest\u2019anima fedel,
\ncaro mio bene.
\nGi\u00e0 ti donai il mio cor;
\nfido sar\u00e0 il mio amor;
\nmai ti sar\u00f2 crudel,
\ncara mia speme.”
\n(“Return to me to languish,
\nOnly you it wants to love
\nthis faithful heart,
\nMy dear, my good one, my dear!
\nAlready I gave you my heart :
\nI trust you will be my love;
\nbut you will be too cruel,
\nmy dear hope.”
\nTranslation by Robert Glaubitz).<\/p>\n