The Moment.
A CINEMATIC JOURNEY THROUGH OPERA ARIAS
Digital Program
Sempre Libera from LA TRAVIATA by Giuseppe Verdi
From movie “Pretty Woman”
In the iconic movie Pretty Woman, one of the most memorable scenes features a performance of Sempre Libera from Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata. The aria is sung by the character Violetta, a courtesan who, like Vivian in Pretty Woman, is caught between love and her desire for freedom. In Sempre Libera, Violetta expresses her resolve to remain free and live a life of pleasure, despite her growing feelings for her suitor.
This powerful moment in Pretty Woman draws parallels between the opera and the film’s story, highlighting themes of love, social status, and personal transformation. As Vivian (played by Julia Roberts) watches the opera, she connects with Violetta’s inner conflict, adding emotional depth to her own journey.
Lascia Ch'io Pianga from RINALDO By G. F. Handel
From movie “Farinelli”
Farinelli (1994) is a biographical drama about the life of Carlo Broschi, known as Farinelli, one of the most famous castrato singers of the 18th century. The film explores his rise to stardom, his complex relationship with his brother, and the emotional cost of his extraordinary talent.
One of the film's most touching moments features Handel’s Lascia ch'io pianga from Rinaldo, a beautiful and sorrowful aria expressing a desire for freedom from suffering. The piece reflects Farinelli’s emotional struggles and highlights the sacrifices he made for his art.
E Lucevan Le Stelle from Tosca by Giacomo Puccini
From movie “Happy Feet 2”
In Happy Feet 2, the powerful aria E Lucevan Le Stelle from Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca makes a striking appearance. This dramatic piece is sung by the character Erik's father, Ramón, in a heartfelt moment. The aria, originally performed by the character Cavaradossi in Tosca, reflects deep sorrow and longing as he faces impending doom.
In the context of Happy Feet 2, E Lucevan Le Stelle brings an emotional depth to the scene, showcasing Ramón’s feelings with unexpected operatic passion. The contrast between the lighthearted, animated world of the penguins and Puccini's stirring, tragic music creates a unique, poignant moment in the film, highlighting the emotional range even within an animated feature.
Song To The Moon from RUSALKA by Antonin Dvorak
From movie “Driving Miss Daisy”
In the film Driving Miss Daisy, the serene and haunting Song to the Moon from Antonín Dvořák's opera Rusalka creates a moment of quiet beauty. In the opera, the aria is sung by the water nymph Rusalka, who longs to become human to be with the man she loves. She sings to the moon, asking it to convey her love to the prince.
In Driving Miss Daisy, this piece reflects a sense of longing and emotional connection, adding a layer of depth to the film’s exploration of relationships, aging, and personal transformation. The ethereal, dreamlike quality of Song to the Moon complements the film’s tender and reflective moments, enriching the emotional atmosphere.
Mad Scene From LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR by Gaetano Donizetti
From movie “The Fifth Element”
In The Fifth Element, the famous Mad Scene from Gaetano Donizetti's opera Lucia di Lammermoor is performed in a futuristic, dazzling way by the alien diva Plavalaguna. The Mad Scene is originally sung by the character Lucia, who, driven to madness by love and betrayal, delivers an emotionally charged, virtuosic performance.
In the movie, the Mad Scene takes on an otherworldly quality, blending with the sci-fi aesthetic of the film. Plavalaguna’s rendition captivates both the characters and the audience, her ethereal voice carrying the emotional intensity of the aria while adding a modern twist. The aria becomes central to the film’s climactic moment, blending the power of classical opera with futuristic action, making it one of the most iconic scenes in The Fifth Element.
Habanera from CARMEN by Georges Bizet
From movie “Up!”
In Pixar’s Up!, Georges Bizet's Habanera from the opera Carmen plays during a key scene that introduces Carl’s life after the loss of his wife, Ellie. Habanera, known for its lively and flirtatious melody, contrasts sharply with Carl’s now solitary and routine-filled life. The aria, sung by Carmen in the opera, expresses the unpredictable nature of love, a stark contrast to Carl’s quiet, monotonous existence.
In Up!, this juxtaposition brings a sense of comedic relief following the deeply emotional montage of Carl and Ellie’s life together. The spirited energy of Habanera not only lightens the mood but also hints at the unexpected adventures that await Carl, signaling that his life is far from over, even in his later years.
O Soave Fanciulla from LA BOHEME by Giacomo Puccini
From movie “Atonement”
In the film Atonement, Giacomo Puccini’s O Soave Fanciulla from La Bohème beautifully underscores a pivotal scene. The aria, a tender duet between the characters Rodolfo and Mimì, is filled with romantic passion as the two express their newfound love for each other.
In Atonement, the use of O Soave Fanciulla adds emotional weight to the love story unfolding on screen. Its sweeping, lyrical melody mirrors the deep, yet fragile connection between the characters, emphasizing themes of love, longing, and separation that are central to both the film and the opera. The piece amplifies the film’s poignant exploration of missed opportunities and lost love, enhancing the emotional atmosphere of the scene.
INTERVAL
La Donna E Mobile from RIGOLETTO by Giuseppe Verdi
From movie “The Family Man”
In the movie The Family Man, Giuseppe Verdi’s La Donna è Mobile from Rigoletto is featured in a lighthearted, memorable scene. The famous aria, sung by the Duke of Mantua in the opera, expresses the character’s playful and cynical view of women’s fickleness, set to a lively, catchy melody.
In The Family Man, La Donna è Mobile brings a touch of humor and charm to the moment, aligning with the film’s themes of rediscovering joy and appreciating life’s unexpected turns. The upbeat and carefree nature of the aria complements the character's journey, adding a layer of classical elegance and wit to the film's narrative.
O mio babbino caro from GIANNI SCHICCHI by Giacomo Puccini
From movie “A Room With A View”
In A Room with a View, Giacomo Puccini’s O mio babbino caro from the opera Gianni Schicchi adds a deeply emotional and romantic atmosphere to the film. The aria is sung by the character Lauretta in the opera, pleading with her father to allow her to marry the man she loves. Its gentle, heartfelt melody expresses longing and devotion.
In A Room with a View, O mio babbino caro perfectly captures the film’s themes of love, yearning, and the tension between social expectations and personal desires. The aria plays during a key scene, heightening the emotional impact of the story’s exploration of love and self-discovery, and beautifully underscores the romantic tensions and passions of the characters. The music’s timeless beauty complements the film’s elegant, period setting, making it one of the standout moments in the movie.
Sull’aria from LE NOZZE DI FIGARO by W. A. Mozart
From movie “The Shawshank Redemption”
In The Shawshank Redemption, Mozart’s Sull’aria from Le Nozze di Figaro plays a pivotal and unforgettable role. The duet, sung by the characters Countess Almaviva and Susanna in the opera, is a light and graceful piece about arranging a secret meeting, symbolizing freedom and the beauty of human connection.
In the film, this aria is played over the prison loudspeakers when Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) defiantly locks himself in the warden’s office and broadcasts it to the entire prison yard. The serene and ethereal beauty of Sull’aria provides a stark contrast to the harsh, oppressive environment of Shawshank. For a brief moment, the prisoners are transported beyond their confines, experiencing a fleeting sense of freedom and hope. This powerful scene encapsulates the film’s themes of resilience and the enduring human spirit, with Mozart’s music acting as a beacon of beauty and escape amidst the despair of prison life.
Chi il bel sogno di Doretta from LA RONDINE by Giacomo Puccini
From movie “A Room With A View”
In A Room with a View, Giacomo Puccini’s Chi il bel sogno di Doretta from the opera La Rondine is featured in a particularly evocative scene. The aria is sung by the character Magda in the opera, reminiscing about the beauty of a dream in which love triumphs unexpectedly, capturing the essence of romantic longing and the idealization of love.
In the film, this aria plays during a pivotal and passionate moment between the characters Lucy and George, as they experience an unforgettable kiss in the Tuscan countryside. The sweeping, emotional melody of Chi il bel sogno di Doretta perfectly underscores the romantic tension and awakening in the scene, reflecting the inner emotional journey of Lucy as she confronts her true feelings. The aria’s lush, lyrical beauty enhances the film’s themes of love, self-discovery, and the clash between societal expectations and personal desires, making it a standout moment in the movie.
Nessun Dorma from TURANDOT by Giacomo Puccini
From movie “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”
In Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Giacomo Puccini’s iconic aria Nessun Dorma from Turandot plays a dramatic role during a high-stakes opera house scene. Nessun Dorma, performed by the character Calaf in the opera, is a powerful declaration of triumph and hope, with its famous line "Vincerò" (I will win) resonating as Calaf faces the challenges of winning the princess’s heart.
In the film, Nessun Dorma is performed on stage while Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) navigates a dangerous assassination attempt during a performance of Turandot. The aria’s soaring and triumphant notes intensify the suspense of the action, perfectly mirroring the tension and stakes in the scene. The grandeur and emotional power of Nessun Dorma heighten the operatic drama within the film, creating an electrifying blend of classic opera and modern action. The aria’s message of perseverance and victory ties into the film’s themes of overcoming insurmountable odds.