Cantor Helfgot Seduces the Audience in the Language of Romance (hint: not yiddish)

At last month's Cantors World annual concert, Cantor Itche Meir Helfgot surprised the crowd with a beautiful rendition of "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's opera "Turandot". Helfgot stood in reckel and zukin and delivered one of the most beautiful arias every written, with all the right nuance and romance (see lyrics below). It was truly a sight. The crowd, made up largely of chassidim, went absolutely wild, screaming "Bravo" in their best Italian. As of yet, there is no recording out of the concert, so you'll have to settle for hearing it sung by Placido Domingo. (Tell me you don't get goose bumps...)

I personally saw the same piece performed by Jose Carreras on the very same stage (Metropolitian Opera House in NYC) several years ago. He was so wonderful, half the audience cried from joy. I couldn't get over seeing a similar effect from a heimish (though also powerful) chazzan on the mostly heimish audience. Ah... the sheer emotional power of music. I bet even those who are inclined to have their feathers ruffled over something like this would not have been able to resist.



Translation of the lyrics:

I: No one shall sleep, (2x)
and neither will you, princess
in your virginal chambers.
You are watching the stars
which twinkle with hope and love.

My secret is hidden in me.
No one will learn my name.
I will whisper it to... your lips alone!

II: My kiss will break the silence,
and you will be mine.

[Choir:
Noone will learn his name.
And we will all perish.]

Let the night end.
Let the stars disappear.
I shall triumph at dawn.
I shall triumph! (2x)