Georgian tenor Tenghiz Zaalishvili(born in 1928) sings "Je crois encore entendre" from Bizet's "The Pearl Fishers"
Studied in Tbilisi concervatory under maestro Sandro Inashvili became a pupular tenor when was chosen by Georgian government to impersonate famous Georgian tenor Vano Saradjishvili(1879-1924) who was then called Nightingale of Georgia.
Became Tbilisi Opera House principal tenor and performed internationaly within the Soviet Block countries.
Partnered Jerome Hines(Faust),Kim Borg, Dorothy Kirsten(Alfredo in "La Traviata") Lia Hubik Nicolae Herlea and many other internationaly acclaimed singers.
Was among other prominent Georgians invited to USA by Jimmy Carter and recieved honorary Georgian Citizenship(USA).
Named as a People's Artist of Georgia still ocasionally performs at the age of 78.
Honorary member of Georgian Academy of Science and Culture, lives in Tbilisi Georgia.
Contact Tbilisi Opera for more information.
www.opera.ge/
ACT I - A seashore on Ceylon
There is a short prelude after which the curtain rises on a group of fishermen and their families working, singing and dancing (Sur la grève en feu). When Zurga enters and reminds them it is time to select a leader, they choose him. They agree to give him absolute power and he accepts. Nadir, a young fisherman and former friend of Zurga's appears, and they joyfully greet each other.
Left alone, Zurga and Nadir recall their former rivalry over the beautiful priestess Leïla, and how, to save their friendship, they swore never to see her again (Au fond du temple saint). They are interrupted by news of the arrival of veiled woman who, to ward off evil spirits, is to pray for fishermen at sea. She is accompanied by the high priest Nourabad and is welcomed by the people. Zurga has her swear that she will remain veiled and chaste; if she does so, she will be rewarded with the finest pearl found, if not, she will die. The woman is Leïla, and in spite of her veil, she and Nadir recognize each other. After she reaffirms her vows and is led to the temple by Nourabad, all leave except Nadir. He tells how he has dreamt of her and followed her here (Je crois entendre encore). He falls asleep, and Leïla appears on a rock above the shore. When he wakes, she removes her veil, and they sing of their love.
Je Crois Entendre Encore
Je crois entendre encore
Caché sous les palmiers
Sa voix tendre et sonore
Comme un chant de ramiers.
Oh nuit enchanteresse
Divin ravissement
Oh souvenir charmant,
Folle ivresse, doux rêve!
Aux clartés des étoiles
Je crois encor la voir
Entr'ouvrir ses longs voiles
Aux vents tièdes du soir.
Oh nuit enchanteresse
Divin ravissement
Oh souvenir charmant
Folle ivresse, doux rêve!
Charmant Souvenir!
Charmant Souvenir!
-----
Translation:
I still believe I hear
hidden beneath the palm trees
your voice tender and deep
like the song of a dove
oh night enchantress
divine rapture
delightful thought
mad intoxication, sweet dream
in the clear starlight
I still believe I see
in between the long sails
of the warm night breeze
oh night...etc.
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