Born in Salzburg, then in the Holy Roman Empire and currently in Austria, Mozart showed prodigious ability from his earliest childhood. Already competent on keyboard and violin, he composed from the age of five and performed before European royalty. His father took him on a grand tour of Europe and then three trips to Italy. At 17, he was a musician at the Salzburg court but grew restless and traveled in search of a better position.
While visiting Vienna in 1781, Mozart was dismissed from his Salzburg position. He stayed in Vienna, where he achieved fame but little financial security. During his final years there, he composed many of his best-known symphonies, concertos, and operas. His Requiem was largely unfinished by the time of his death at the age of 35, the circumstances of which are uncertain and much mythologized.
La' ci darem la mano
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Là ci darem la mano,
Là mi dirai di sì,
Vedi, non è lontano,
Partiam, ben mio, da qui.
(Zerlina):
Vorrei, e non vorrei,
Felice, è ver, sarei,
Ma può burlami ancor.
(Don Giovanni):
Vieni, mio bel diletto!
(Zerlina):
Mifa pietà Masetto.
(Don Giovanni):
Io cangierò tua sorte!
(Zerlina):
Presto, non son più forte!
(Don Giovanni):
Andiam, andiam!
(Zerlina):
Andiam!
(Don Giovanni et Zerlina):
Andiam, andiam, mio bene,
A ristorar le pene
D′un innocente amor
The song "Là ci darem la mano" is a duet between the seductive and manipulative Don Giovanni and the naive and innocent Zerlina. The title translates to "There we will give each other our hands," and it serves as a reference to the two characters' intention to consummate their relationship. In the first stanza, Don Giovanni urges Zerlina to come with him, assuring her that their destination is not far away. The second line of the stanza is a straightforward request for Zerlina to say yes to his advances.
In response, Zerlina admits to being conflicted about her feelings towards Don Giovanni. She tells him that she would be happy to accept his offer, but her heart is trembling with fear that he might be playing with her feelings. In the next stanza, Don Giovanni continues to seduce her, calling her "my beautiful delight." Zerlina resists, asking for mercy from Masetto, her fiancé. Don Giovanni dismisses her concerns, telling her that he will change her fate. Zerlina gives in to the temptation and agrees to go with him, but she confesses that she is not strong enough to resist him.
The song captures the essence of Don Giovanni's character, who is a master of manipulation and seduction. Zerlina's character serves as a reflection of the female stereotype of being naive and innocent, who is easily deceived by a man's charming words. Overall, the song is a commentary on the dangers of lust and desire and how they can lead one astray.
Line by Line Meaning
Là ci darem la mano,
There we will clasp hands,
Là mi dirai di sì,
There you will say yes to me,
Vedi, non è lontano,
Look, it is not far,
Partiam, ben mio, da qui.
Let us leave, my dear one, from here.
Vorrei, e non vorrei,
I would like to, and would not like to,
Mi trema un poco il cor
My heart trembles a little,
Felice, è ver, sarei,
I would truly be happy,
Ma può burlami ancor.
But he may still trick me.
Vieni, mio bel diletto!
Come, my beautiful delight!
Mi fa pietà Masetto.
I feel sorry for Masetto.
Io cambierò tua sorte!
I will change your fate!
Presto, non son più forte!
Quickly, I am not strong enough anymore!
Andiam, andiam!
Let's go, let's go!
Andiam!
Let's go!
Andiam, andiam, mio bene,
Let's go, let's go, my dear one,
A ristorar le pene
To relieve the pains
D′un innocente amor
Of an innocent love.
Writer(s): Audrey Akerman, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Contributed by Audrey K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ChristopherPettersen
Can we just talk about how respectful of a duet partner Pavarotti is being? He's making sure the balance is right in the ensemble spots and matching her vibrato perfectly.
@albert290371
well spotted
@chano6555
What does this mean? Genuinely I apologize I’m not familiar with music technically
@ChristopherPettersen
@@chano6555 He's singing quieter than he normally would to make sure he doesn't overpower her.
@graham6132
Ie. he’s trying to sing as flat as possible to not make her look bad.
@ChristopherPettersen
@@graham6132 Nope...
@digitalmediafan
OMG this is something I never thought I would see a country singer do opera ! breathtakingly brilliant. Incredible
@niemand8969
Luciano here is like 900HP V10 F1 Ferrari engine running at iddle speed. True gentleman❤
@verfoloog
This is my favorite performance I have ever listened to of this song . Both voices are so so beautiful and are so great together . It really touched my heart . I don’t often leave a comment but this performance realy deserved a thumbs up I wish I could sing like that . Hope to hear your voices for many many years more good luck on both as on all those great musicians 🙏🏻🫵👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
@suzannehelt7777
I sang this duet 35 yrs ago and received a "Command Performance " rating. It is NOT easy!