NESSEN DORMA

Although nothing beats listening to opera in its original language, enthusiasts who only speak English definitely benefit from a good translation—especially of some of the more popular arias, like "Nessum Dorma" from Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot".

In 1990, the BBC brought opera to the masses when it used Luciano Pavarotti's rendition of "Nessun Dorma" as the opener to its coverage of that year's World Cup. Though the music was an unusual choice for a sporting event, especially one as large as the FIFA finale, the aria's Italian heritage, and lyrics were in perfect harmony with the event, which took place in Italy that year. With millions of people all over the world turning on their televisions and radios to watch and listen to the games, Luciano Pavarotti turned an opera aria into an overnight sensation.

At the beginning of the opera, which is set in Peking, China, Calaf, an unknown prince, falls in love at first sight with the beautiful but haughty Princess Turandot. According to royal edict, however, any suitor who wishes to marry her must correctly answer three riddles. Those who fail are killed. Despite protests from his father and his servant, Calaf accepts the challenge and is determined to marry Turandot.

Much to the delight of the princess's father, as well as the entire kingdom, Calaf answers all three riddles correctly. But Turandot refuses to marry this stranger. She doesn't even know his name. The prince then makes a deal with her: If she can figure out his name before dawn, he will gladly die. If she cannot, they will marry. Turandot agrees and the countdown begins.

Late that night, the princess declares that no one will sleep until she learns the name of her suitor. In fact, she cries out that everyone in the kingdom will be killed if no one steps forward to reveal Calaf's identity. Meanwhile, Calaf confidently sings "Nessun Dorma"—"Nobody shall sleep."

	INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY NESSUN DORMA Proprietary Lecture Notes
	"Nessun Dorma"—"No One shall sleep" discussed by Aaron Green on liveabout.com Although nothing beats listening to opera in its original language, enthusiasts who only speak English definitely benefit from a good translation—especially of some of the more popular arias, like "Nessum Dorma" from Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot". In 1990, the BBC brought opera to the masses when it used Luciano Pavarotti's rendition of "Nessun Dorma" as the opener to its coverage of that year's World Cup. Though the music was an unusual choice for a sporting event, especially one as large as the FIFA finale, the aria's Italian heritage, and lyrics were in perfect harmony with the event, which took place in Italy that year. With millions of people all over the world turning on their televisions and radios to watch and listen to the games, Luciano Pavarotti turned an opera aria into an overnight sensation. At the beginning of the opera, which is set in Peking, China, Calaf, an unknown prince, falls in love at first sight with the beautiful but haughty Princess Turandot. According to royal edict, however, any suitor who wishes to marry her must correctly answer three riddles. Those who fail are killed. Despite protests from his father and his servant, Calaf accepts the challenge and is determined to marry Turandot. Much to the delight of the princess's father, as well as the entire kingdom, Calaf answers all three riddles correctly. But Turandot refuses to marry this stranger. She doesn't even know his name. The prince then makes a deal with her: If she can figure out his name before dawn, he will gladly die. If she cannot, they will marry. Turandot agrees and the countdown begins. Late that night, the princess declares that no one will sleep until she learns the name of her suitor. In fact, she cries out that everyone in the kingdom will be killed if no one steps forward to reveal Calaf's identity. Meanwhile, Calaf confidently sings "Nessun Dorma"—"Nobody shall sleep."