Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
Angela Gheorghiu London Symphony Orchestra & Antonio Pappano Lyrics
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mi piace, è bello bello,
vo'andare in Porta Rossa
a comperar l'anello!
Si, si, ci voglio andare!
E se l'amassi indarno,
andrei sul Ponte Vecchio
ma per buttarmi in Arno!
O Dio! Vorrei morir!
Babbo, pietà, pietà!
Babbo, pietà, pietà!
O Mio Babbino Caro English Translation
Oh my dear father,
I like him, he is very handsome.
I want to go to Porta Rossa
to buy the ring!
The song Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro, performed by Angela Gheorghiu, London Symphony Orchestra, and Antonio Pappano, is a heart-rending aria sung by Lauretta, the daughter of Schicchi, who is in love with Rinuccio. She pleads with her father to allow her to marry Rinuccio and buy her a ring. She even threatens to jump off a bridge and plunge into the Arno if he refuses to grant her wish. The song is filled with desperation, emotion, and passion, as Lauretta gyrates between expressing her love for Rinuccio and the depths of her despair if her father doesn’t grant her wish. The song uses harmonious and soothing melody, and it is sung with immense feeling, making it easy to connect with the character's emotions.
The song exhibits some remarkable vocal technique and classic music composition that otherwise may seem unattainable as it requires not only a good operatic voice but also a significant singing range. The song's power lies in the emotions portrayed in it, and that has been enough for it to become a standard song in operatic and musical theater history. It also reflects the common themes in romantic literature, often portrayed as the tragedy of love and the sacrifices one has to make to uphold it. Furthermore, this song was made popular in popular culture due to its frequent inclusion in films such as "A Room with a View," "Diva," and "Merchant Ivory's A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries."
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my dear father,
Addressing her father, the singer states her next few lines with an endearment.
I like him, he is very handsome.
Expressing her love for her beloved, the singer describes his physical appearance as very attractive.
I want to go to Porta Rossa to buy the ring!
The singer desires to go to Porta Rossa to purchase a ring, possibly for her engagement or wedding.
Yes, yes, I want to go!
The singer confirms her desire to go to Porta Rossa.
And if I love him in vain, I would go to Ponte Vecchio but to throw myself in the Arno!
If her love remains unrequited, the singer would go to Ponte Vecchio and drown herself in the Arno river, expressing her extreme despair.
I am anguished and tormented, Oh God! I wish I would die!
The singer is in great emotional pain and begs for death as a release from her suffering.
Father, have pity, have pity!
The singer pleads with her father to have mercy on her and help her in her time of desperation.
Father, have pity, have pity!
Repeating her plea for her father to have pity, the singer emphasizes her desperate need for his help.
Contributed by William N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.