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La Boh​è​me: "Che gelida manina"

from Colors of a Lyric by Orson Van Gay II

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Che gelida manina" is one of the most well known aria's from the first act of Giacomo Puccini's opera, La bohème. The aria is sung by Rodolfo to Mimì when they first meet. Their hands meet while looking for her lost key. In the aria Rodolfo tells her of his life as a poet, and ends by asking her to tell him more about her life.

lyrics

Che gelida manina,
se la lasci riscaldar.
Cercar che giova?

Al buio non si trova.

Ma per fortuna
é una notte di luna,
e qui la luna
labbiamo vicina.
Aspetti, signorina,
le dirò con due parole
chi son, e che faccio,
come vivo. Vuole?
Chi son? Sono un poeta.
Che cosa faccio? Scrivo.
E come vivo? Vivo.
In povertà mia lieta
scialo da gran signore
rime ed inni damore.
Per sogni e per chimere
e per castelli in aria,
lanima ho milionaria.
Talor dal mio forziere
ruban tutti i gioelli
due ladri, gli occhi belli.
Ventrar con voi pur ora,
ed i miei sogni usati
e i bei sogni miei,
tosto si dileguar!
Ma il furto non maccora,
poiché, poiché vha preso stanza
la speranza!
Or che mi conoscete,
parlate voi, deh! Parlate. Chi siete?
Vi piaccia dir!

English translation:

What a frozen little hand,
let me warm it for you.
What's the use of looking?
We won't find it in the dark.
But luckily
it's a moonlit night,
and the moon
is near us here.
Wait, mademoiselle,
I will tell you in two words,
who I am, what I do,
and how I live. May I?
Who am I? I am a poet.
What do I do? I write.
And how do I live? I live.
In my carefree poverty
I squander rhymes
and love songs like a lord.
When it comes to dreams and visions
and castles in the air,
I've the soul of a millionaire.
From time to time two thieves
steal all the jewels
out of my safe, two pretty eyes.
They came in with you just now,
and my customary dreams
my lovely dreams,
melted at once into thin air!
Bu the theft doesn't anger me,
for their place has been
taken by hope!
Now that you know all about me,
you tell me who you are.
Please do!

credits

from Colors of a Lyric, track released May 29, 2023
Executive Produced by Orson Van Gay II
Piano Accompaniment: Lenny Hayes
Mixing and Mastering: Josh Margolis - Sonic Fuel Studios
Photography: Andy Wong
Album Cover: Orson Van Gay II

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Orson Van Gay II image

Orson Van Gay II Los Angeles, California

Mr. Van Gay has performed in major opera houses across the nation. Memorable performances include: LA Opera, Disney Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall. Tenor soloist with ,LA Phil, Cal Phil. Featured in commercials shows for Netlfix, t.v. and Disney. Proud recipient of 2022 inaugural Hurst Artist of the year award.
“Orson Van Gay II’s top notes were thrilling...” (OperaWire)
www.orsonvangay.com ... more

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