At Arts Centre Melbourne until 26 May. More info/tickets: bit.ly/L0MXcS
Opera Australia principal soprano Amelia Farrugia sings the famous song 'Vilja' in The Merry Widow by Franz Lehar. She is joined by David Hobson as Danilo, and the Opera Australia Chorus.
LYRICS:
A noble young lordling was hunting one day,
When deep in the forest the lad lost his way.
Til spellbound, he stopped, in a mist-shrouded glade,
Amazed at the sight of a ravishing maid.
Rooted to that moonlit spot,
He wondered, was she real or not?
Half-bewitched, all that he could do was say...
Vilja, ah Vilja, enchanting and fair,
Sorcerer's child with the stars in your hair.
Vilja, ah Vilja, a face without flaw.
What can I do but adore?
(Vilja, ah Vilja, enchanting and fair,
Sorcerer's child with the stars in your hair.)
Vilja, ah Vilja, oh can't you reply?
Vilja, for you I would die.
No earthly creature could give such a kiss,
And no human teacher could show him such bliss.
And red was their passion, and green was their sky.
"Betray me," she murmured, "and both of us die".
He awoke, and she was gone,
Like mist before the cruel sun.
Mad with grief, all that he could say was this...
Vilja, ah Vilja, enchanting and fair.
Sorcerer's child with the stars in your hair.
Vilja, ah Vilja, a face without flaw.
When shall I see you once more?
(Vilja, ah Vilja, enchanting and fair.
Sorcerer's child with the stars in your hair.)
Vilja, ah Vilja, oh won't you reply?
Vilja for you I shall die.
(For you I die)
For you I die.
I die.