DESCRIPTION:
"Vissi d'arte" is a soprano aria from Act II of the opera Tosca by Giacomo Puccini. It is sung by Tosca as she thinks of her fate and how the life of her beloved, Mario Cavaradossi, is at the mercy of the Baron Scarpia.

Dr. Valerie Jones Francis is a widely acclaimed Spinto-Soprano. A New Orleans native, Dr. Francis has performed nationally and internationally in such roles as: Aida, Bess, Serena, Magda, Donna Anna, Donna Elvira, Musetta, Madame Euterpova, Madame Butterfly, Micaela, Carmen, and Marschillin. In 2010, she made her debut with New Orleans Opera as Strawberry Woman and Soprano I Prayer Soloist in Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. In 2011, she performed the role of Inez in Il Trovatore (April 2011).

In addition to performing opera roles and presenting recitals, Dr. Francis is an Assistant Professor of Vocal Music Education at Nicholls State University and Adjunct Professor of Voice at Dillard University.

This performance of Arias, Art Songs, and Negro Spirituals was held at the Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans on October 28, 2012 and dedicated to the Venerable Henriette Delille, Founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family. Dr. Francis is accompanied by the internationally renowned pianist Dr. Wilfred Delphin.

Dr. Delphin debuted in 1977 at Carnegie Hall with the late Edwin Romain. He has also performed a solo concert in the East Room of the White House for President Jimmy Carter. Dr. Delphin is currently Artist-in-Residence at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans.


Italian
Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore,
non feci mai male ad anima viva!
Con man furtiva
quante miserie conobbi aiutai.
Sempre con fè sincera
la mia preghiera
ai santi tabernacoli salì.
Sempre con fè sincera
diedi fiori agli altar.
Nell'ora del dolore
perché, perché, Signore,
perché me ne rimuneri così?
Diedi gioielli della Madonna al manto,
e diedi il canto agli astri, al ciel,
che ne ridean più belli.
Nell'ora del dolore,
perché, perché, Signore,
ah, perché me ne rimuneri così?

English Translation

I lived for art, I lived for love,
I never harmed a living soul!
With a discreet hand
I relieved all misfortunes I encountered.
Always with sincere faith
my prayer
rose to the holy tabernacles.
Always with sincere faith
I decorated the altars with flowers.
In this hour of grief,
why, why, Lord,
why do you reward me thus?
I donated jewels to the Madonna's mantle,
and offered songs to the stars and heaven,
which thus shone with more beauty.
In this hour of grief,
why, why, Lord,
ah, why do you reward me thus?