Overture
HASC & Various Artists Lyrics

This trophy from our saviours, from our saviours from the enslaving force of Rome!
We are rejoicing tonight because our saviours have delivered us from the oppressive forces of Rome, and this trophy represents that victory.

With feasting and dancing and song, tonight in celebration, We greet the victorious throng, returned to bring salvation!
In celebration of our victorious warriors, we feast, dance and sing songs to express our gratitude for their return and the deliverance that they have brought.

The trumpets of Carthage resound! Hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark to our step on the ground!
Our triumphant return is accompanied by the resounding trumpets of Carthage and the Romans should take notice and be fearful of our power and authority.

Hear the drums, Hannibal comes!
The sound of the drums heralds the arrival of Hannibal, who is known for his military prowess and brings with him an aura of strength and victory.

Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp
While we are happy to be home after our victory, it is disheartening to find that our beloved land is still under threat from the far-reaching grasp of Rome.

Gentlemen, gentlemen...
The singer is trying to get the attention of the gentlemen in the room, perhaps to make an announcement or give a directive.

Rehearsals, as you see, are under way, for a new production of Chalumeau's "Hannibal".
The company is currently preparing for a new production of Chalumeau's Hannibal, which may be of particular interest given the themes of the play and the context of the story.

Monsieur Lefevre, I am rehearsing.
The artist is informing Monsieur Lefevre that they are currently in the middle of rehearsing, and therefore cannot be disturbed at the moment.

Monsieur Reyer, Madame Giry, ladies and gentlemen, Please if I could have your attention, thank you.
The artist is politely requesting the attention of Monsieur Reyer, Madame Giry, and the other ladies and gentlemen present, perhaps to make an announcement or give instructions.

Vicomte, Gentlemen, Signora Carlotta Giudicelli, our leading soprano for five seasons now. And Signor Ubaldo Piangi.
The artist is introducing the Vicomte, and then the leading soprano (Carlotta) and Signor Ubaldo Piangi, who are important members of the company.

An honour, Signor. I believe I'm keeping you from your rehearsal. I will be here this evening to share your great triumph. My apologies, monsieur.
The singer is apologizing for interrupting the rehearsal, and expressing his admiration for the company while promising to attend the evening's performance to witness their triumph.

He loves me!
Carlotta is expressing her excitement and pride that someone (presumably Piangi) loves her, which may be relevant to the story of the upcoming production.

We take a particular pride here in the excellence of our ballets, monsieur
Madame Giry is expressing pride about the quality of their ballets, which are apparently well-respected and highly regarded in their community.

I see why, especially that little blonde angel.
Firmin is commenting on the impressive skill and talent of Meg Giry, who is known for her exceptional dancing and may be a notable character in the upcoming production.

Daaé, you say? No relation to the famous Swedish violinist?
Firmin is asking about Christine Daaé, and whether she is related to a famous Swedish violinist who may have been well-known in their social circle.

His only child, orphan at 7, when she came to live and train in the ballet dormitory.
Giry explains that Christine is the only child of the famous violinist and was orphaned at a young age before coming to live and train in their ballet dormitory.

Bid welcome to Hannibal's guests, the elephants of Carthage! As guides on our conquering quests, Dido sends Hannibal's friends!
The artist is welcoming the guests (presumably played by actors or dancers) who represent the elephants of Carthage and were known for being powerful guides on Hannibal's military campaigns.

The trumpeting elephants sound, hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark to their step on the ground, hear the drums! Hannibal comes!
The singers are again emphasizing the powerful imagery of the elephants and drums that would accompany Hannibal's military campaigns, and warning the Romans to be fearful of his strength and power.

Mosieur Reyer, isn't there a rather marvelous aria for Elissa in Act Three of "Hannibal"? Perhaps if Signora...
Andre is asking Reyer if there is a particular aria in the play that would be perfect for Elissa's character, and suggesting that Carlotta should sing it.

Yes...Yes...Monsieur Reyer?
Carlotta is signaling her eagerness and willingness to sing the aria that Andre suggested to Reyer.