Nessum Dorma

It is estimated that 121 million people world-wide suffer from depression. Whereas there are many causes of depression, indications are that the current economic climate, reflecting the worst economic times since the Great Depression, has resulted in an alarming increase in the number of Americans suffering from depression. There is scientific evidence that music can help to ease the symptoms of depression (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080122203158.htm). With this in mind, we invite you to take time out from your busy schedule, relax momentarily and listen to our “Inspiring Music Selection for Today”, personally selected for you by our President, Karl.

Today′s selection is “Nessun Dorma”. According to Karl: “Nessum Dorma is one of the best know tenor arias in all of opera. It is from the final act of Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot, an epic tale set in a China of legend. In the act before this aria, Calaf has correctly answered the three riddles put to all of Princess Turandot’s prospective suitors. Nonetheless, she recoils at the thought of marriage to him. Calaf offers her another chance by challenging her to guess his name by dawn. As he kneels before her, the “Nessun dorma” theme makes a first appearance, to his words, “Il mio nome non sai!” (My name you do not know!). She can execute him if she correctly guesses his name; but if she does not, she must marry him. The cruel and emotionally cold princess then decrees that none of her subjects shall sleep that night until his name is discovered. If they fail, all will be killed. In the aria, Calaf expresses his triumphant assurance that he will win the princess.”