Richard Dorfmeister and Rupert Huber first met in school, and began experimenting with tape machines, Indian music, and poetry lyrics, under the name of Dehli9. After school, Dorfmeister and Huber went their separate ways: Dorfmeister began producing and DJing with Peter Kruder, and Huber worked in the experimental music scene. His compositions were featured by Wiener Festwochen (Private Exile, 2004), Centre Pompidou (Sonic Process, 2002) and Ars Electronica (Radiotopia, 2002) as well as in TV series (C.S.I.: Miami, Sex and the City) and radio (signations for the ORF – Austrian Broadcasting Company).
In 1994, Dorfmeister and Huber released their first 12", entitled "Chocolate Elvis", on Kruder and Dorfmeister's G-Stone label. A string of critically acclaimed albums and remix collections followed - Opera (1996), Suzuki (1999), Dehli9 (2002) J.A.C. (2005) and No Hassle (2009) are considered milestones of the downtempo genre. The musical trademark of Tosca is a cheerful laid-back feel that emanate a warm, and occasionally melancholic atmosphere. The music of Tosca is played in clubs and living rooms, boutiques and wineries alike.
Lots of the singles and their ensuing remixes were released as remix albums - i.e. Souvenirs - The J.A.C. Remixes, Suzuki in Dub, Chocolate Elvis Dubs or the “Fuck Dub” remix collection - and featured on countless compilations. Tosca has performed in live shows in the USA, South America and Europe, including such prominent festivals as Coachella (Palm Springs, USA) and the Ars Electronica Festival (Linz, Austria). In 2001, Tosca was honored with Austria’s Amadeus Music Award as best Pop/Rock group. In 2009 the release of No Hassle saw Tosca move into more ambient soundscapes and the world of live instrumentation. In 2013 their sixth studio album Odeon featuring vocalists Sarah Callier, Rodney Hunter and JJ Jones was released on their longtime home of !K7 Records.
E Luecevan Le Stelle
Tosca Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
ed olezzava la terra,
stridea l'uscio dell'orto,
e un passo sfiorava la rena...
Entrava ella, fragrante,
mi cadea fra le braccia...
O dolci baci, o languide carezze,
mentr'io fremente
Svani per sempre
il sogno mio d'amore...
L'ora è fuggita...
E muoio disperato!
E muoio disperato...
E non ho amato mai tanto la vita!
The lyrics of Tosca's "E lucevan le stelle" convey a poignant and deeply emotional portrayal of a character who is experiencing a moment of intense love and loss. The opening lines describe a scene where the stars were shining and the earth was filled with a sweet fragrance, setting a tranquil and beautiful backdrop for the unfolding drama. The mention of the garden gate creaking and a soft footstep brushing against the sand creates a sense of anticipation and intimacy.
As the beloved enters the scene, described as "fragrant" and falling into the singer's arms, the imagery shifts to a more passionate and sensual tone. The references to "sweet kisses" and "tender caresses" evoke a powerful sense of longing and desire, expressed through the singer's trembling emotions as he reveals the beloved's enchanting beauty. The act of unveiling her graceful figure from her veils symbolizes an intimate unveiling of her true self and the depth of their connection.
However, the tone quickly shifts from ecstasy to despair as the singer laments the fleeting nature of his love and the inevitability of its demise. The abrupt realization that his dream of love has vanished forever underscores the tragic and heartbreaking quality of the narrative. The ticking of the clock, symbolized by the lost hour, serves as a crucial motif of time slipping away and the inevitability of mortality.
In the final lines, the singer declares his desperate state of mind and his ultimate realization of the magnitude of his love for the beloved. The repetition of the phrase "E muoio disperato" (And I die desperate) emphasizes the character's overwhelming sense of loss and resignation to his fate. Despite the deep pain and sorrow expressed in these lyrics, there is also a profound sense of admiration for the beauty and intensity of the love that was experienced, encapsulated in the poignant statement: "E non ho amato mai tanto la vita" (And I have never loved life so much). It is a tragic and bittersweet reflection on the fleeting nature of love and the profound impact it can have on one's existence.
Line by Line Meaning
E lucevan le stelle
And the stars were shining brightly
ed olezzava la terra
and the earth was filled with fragrance
stridea l'uscio dell'orto
the gate of the garden creaked
e un passo sfiorava la rena...
and a footstep brushed the sand...
Entrava ella, fragrante
She entered, fragrant
mi cadea fra le braccia...
she fell into my arms...
O dolci baci, o languide carezze
Oh sweet kisses, oh languid caresses
mentr'io fremente
while I trembled
le belle forme disciogliea dai veli!
I unraveled her beautiful figure from the veils!
Svani per sempre il sogno mio d'amore...
My dream of love faded away forever...
L'ora è fuggita...
The hour has fled...
E muoio disperato!
And I die in despair!
E non ho amato mai tanto la vita!
And I have never loved life so much!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Giacosa, Luigi Illica
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind