Overture
D'Oyly Carte Opera Company Lyrics
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This trophy from our saviours, from our saviours!
From the enslaving force of Rome!
GIRL'S CHORUS:
With feasting and dancing and song, tonight in celebration, we greet
MEN'S CHORUS:
The trumpets of Carthage resound! Hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark
to our step on the ground!
ALL:
Hear the drums -- Hannibal comes!
PIANGI:
Sad to return to find the land
we love threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp,
REYER:
Signor . . . if you please: "Rome".
We say "Rome' not "Roma"
PIANGI:
Si, si, Rome, not Roma. Is very hard for me.
LEFEVRE:
This way, gentlemen, this way.
Rehearsals, as you see, are under way, for a new production of
Chalumeau's "Hannibal".
Ladies and gentlemen, some of you may already, perhaps, have met M.
Andre and M. Firmin ...
REYER:
I'm sorry, M. Lefevre, we are rehearsing.
If you wouldn't mind waiting a moment?
LEFEVRE:
My apologies, M. Reyer. Proceed, proceed ...
REYER:
Thank you, monsieur.
"Sad to return..." Signor ...
LEFEVRE:
M. Reyer, our chief repetiteur. Rather a tyrant, I'm afraid.
PIANGI:
Sad to return to find the land we love
threatened once more by Rome's far-reaching grasp.
Tomorrow, we shall break the chains of Rome.
Tonight, rejoice - your army has come home.
By Nehemoth
The song "Overture" is the prelude to the musical "The Phantom of the Opera" by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The scene depicts a rehearsal of an opera called "Hannibal," which is set during the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage. The first part of the song is sung by Carlotta, who praises the Carthaginians for defeating the enslaving force of Rome. The chorus joins in with enthusiasm, celebrating the victorious return of the Carthaginians. The second part features Piangi, who expresses his sadness to find the land he loves under the threat of Rome once more. The scene ends with the rehearsing cast meeting with the new owners of the opera house.
The lyrics of "Overture" set up the historical context for the musical and the conflict between Rome and Carthage. The mention of "the enslaving force of Rome" and "Rome's far-reaching grasp" serves to accentuate the tension between the two civilizations. The joyous and triumphant tone of the music contrasts with Piangi's realization of the danger his country faces, thereby emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, the scene portrays the characters as embodying the perspectives of the Carthaginians and the Romans. Thus, the song foreshadows the themes of power, conquest, and destiny that will play out in the rest of the musical.
Line by Line Meaning
This trophy from our saviours, from our saviours! From the enslaving force of Rome!
We have obtained this trophy through the deliverance of our saviors, and we celebrate its significance in that it represents the victory over the oppressive power of Rome.
With feasting and dancing and song, tonight in celebration, we greet the victorious throng, returned to bring salvation!
We welcome our triumphant heroes with festivities including dancing and revelry as they return to deliver us salvation from our enemies.
The trumpets of Carthage resound! Hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark to our step on the ground!
The trumpets of Carthage signal our arrival and we demand that the Romans hear and fear us while we make our presence known with our marching ground-shaking steps.
Hear the drums -- Hannibal comes!
As the drums sound, announcing the arrival of Hannibal, we await his great army, anticipating the destruction of our enemies.
Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp,
It is disheartening to return to our beloved land and find it once again threatened by the far-reaching grip of Rome.
Signor . . . if you please: "Rome". We say "Rome' not "Roma"
Excuse me, sir, but we refer to Rome as "Rome" and not as "Roma".
Si, si, Rome, not Roma. Is very hard for me.
Yes, yes, Rome, not Roma. It is difficult for me to remember the correct pronunciation.
This way, gentlemen, this way. Rehearsals, as you see, are under way, for a new production of Chalumeau's "Hannibal". Ladies and gentlemen, some of you may already, perhaps, have met M. Andre and M. Firmin ...
Please follow me, gentlemen. As you can see, rehearsals are currently taking place for a new production of Chalumeau's "Hannibal". Some of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting M. Andre and M. Firmin.
I'm sorry, M. Lefevre, we are rehearsing. If you wouldn't mind waiting a moment?
I apologize, M. Lefevre, but we are currently in the midst of a rehearsal. Would you mind waiting for a moment?
Thank you, monsieur. "Sad to return..." Signor ...
Thank you, sir. Now, back to the previous conversation... "Sad to return..." Signor...
M. Reyer, our chief repetiteur. Rather a tyrant, I'm afraid.
This is M. Reyer, our chief rehearsal conductor. He can be a bit of a dictator, I'm afraid.
Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Rome's far-reaching grasp. Tomorrow, we shall break the chains of Rome. Tonight, rejoice - your army has come home.
It is unfortunate to return and find our land once again threatened by Rome's hold, but tomorrow we will break free from its restraints. For now, however, we celebrate the return of our army to our homes.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALAN JAY LERNER, FREDERICK LOEWE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind