WHAT IS LIFE? (Che Faro Senza Euridice)

from 1762 opera "Orfeo ed Euridice"
(Gluck)

as recorded by Kathleen Ferrier 1940's


What is life to me without thee,
What is life if thou art dead?
What is life, life without thee,
What is life without my love?
What is life if thou art dead?

Euridice!  Euridice!
Ah, hear me!  Oh, answer!
Ah, hear me!
Thy dear Lord, am I so faithful?
Thy dear Lord, am I who loves thee,
Who doth love thee?

What is life to me without thee,
What is life if thou art dead?
What is life, life without thee,
What is life without my love?
What is life if thou art dead?

Euridice!  Euridice!
In my dread anguish nought can aid me,
None can comfort,
Earth is cruel, heaven is cold!

What is life to me without thee,
What is life if thou art dead?
What is life to me without thee,
What is life if thou art dead?
What is life to me without thee,
What is life if thou art dead,
If thou art dead,
if thou art dead?



(Transcribed by Peter Akers - December 2013)