Elena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova (Russian: Елена Васильевна Образцова) (b. in Leningrad, now St Petersburg Russia, on 7 July 1939) is a Russian mezzo-soprano, widely recognised as one of the greatest opera singers of all time, thanks to her outstanding stage presence and the vocal abilities. She has played many roles throughout her career, including performances under the baton of such leading conductors as Claudio Abbado and Herbert von Karajan. In December 1977 she opened the 200th opera season in La Scala singing Don Carlos's Eboli with Abbado as conductor. In June 2007 Obraztsova was appointed artistic director of opera at the Mikhaylovsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. She also trains young soloists in her own cultural center in St. Petersburg. Obraztsova still appears regularly on stage at the Mikhailovsky in the role of the Countess in Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades. In 2008 Obraztsova ended her artistic director contract with the Mikhailovsky to concentrate on the competition of her name and the recently announced project of International Academy of Music in St Petersburg. Obraztsova continues her collaboration with the Mikhailovsky in a capacity of the General Director's Artistic Advisor... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elena_Ob...
Lyrics & English Translation
It is true then, oh heavens! You... Fernando
Are to be Leonora's husband!
All this I'm told, and yet my spirit is still doubtful
Of this unexpected joy! Oh Heavens! Marry him?
Oh, what unbearable shame! As a dowry to the brave man...
I will bring him dishonour, no, never; If he should ever
Abhor me, I'll fly, he will know in a short time
This woman that he adores so.
Oh, my Fernando! Throne of the earth,
I would have given my heart to possess you,
But my pure love is like a pardon,
And yet I am damned, alas! It is a terrifying horror.
The truth shall be known, and in your extreme contempt
I will face the worst penalty possible;
If you are rightly displeased, then I will be a mockery
Strike me, dear Heaven, with your lightning.
Come, death, what is stopping you?
My pain is written in the skies,
Come, she is a festival,
An altar spread with flowers.
The grave is already opening for me;
The black veil is already covering me;
Ah! The sad bride,
Damned, desperate,
She will not have forgiveness in heaven.
A link to this wonderful artists personal Website: sopranos.freeservers.com/elena...
Please Enjoy!
I send my kind and warm regards,