18. "Cinderella's Song"

Non più mesta … starò sola a gorgheggiar
I'll no longer sit alone, sadly singing …

Cinderella isn't prepared to put up with her lot any longer. Carmen is equally determined to shape her future.

I was born deeply troubled and crying,
Silently suffering at the core;
But by a sweet enchantment
in the flower of my youth,
Like a flash
My fate will change.

No, no, no, no, wipe away your tears:
Why do you tremble, why?

Fly to my bosom
Daughter, sister, friend
All found in me.

I'll no longer sit alone,
sadly singing by the fire, no!
Ah it was a flash of lightning, a dream, a game
My long life of fear.

La Cenerentola by Gioachino Rossini brings a sharp comic perspective to the fairy-tale 'rags to riches' story of how Cinderella finds happiness with her Prince Charming. Strength of character in contending with a foolish father and the bullying of her step family is as much an agent in her fate as her fairy godmother.

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