Performing Arts
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O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Performed by Jean Clara Cartwright Jean Clara Cartwright is currently a first study singer at the University of Nottingham with a highlighted focus and love for coloratura soprano arias. After previously winning a number of state piano competitions in the Philippines and completing her DipABRSM exam, she decided to solely focus on singing and in developing her voice to a higher standard. She is a soprano choral scholar at St Mary’s Church in Nottingham, which has presented her with numerous opportunities for solo work and CD recordings. |
Artist’s Statement
O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn, is the first aria performed by the Queen of the Night in Mozart's The Magic Flute, requiring great vocal flexibility. In this scene, Prince Tamino has fallen deeply in love with Princess Pamina, the daughter of the Queen, upon seeing her portrait. The Queen appears, telling the Prince sadly of her daughter's abduction. While this story seems frivolous and antiqued, it still portrays the love of a mother and her devotion to her daughter, a "root" that, for those who are fortunate to have, should always be treasured.
Lyrics
O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn, (Oh, tremble not, my dear son!)
du bist unschuldig, weise, fromm (You are innocent, wise, pious;)
Ein Jüngling so wie du, vermag am besten, (A youth like you is best able)
dies tiefbetrübte Mutterherz zu trösten. (to console this deeply troubled mother's heart.)
Zum Leiden bin ich auserkoren, (I am chosen for suffering)
denn meine Tochter fehlet mir. (For my daughter is gone from me;)
Durch sie ging all mein Glück verloren, (Through her all my happiness has been lost,)
ein Bösewicht, ein Bösewicht entfloh mit ihr. (A villain, a villain fled with her.)
Noch seh' ich ihr Zittern (I can still see her trembling)
mit bangem Erschüttern, (with fearful shaking,)
ihr ängstliches Beben, (her frightened quaking,)
ihr schüchternes Streben. (her timid effort.)
Ich mußte sie mir rauben sehen. (I had to see her stolen from me.)
"Ach helft! Ach helft!" – war alles was sie sprach ("Oh help! Oh help!" – was all that she said)
allein vergebens war ihr Flehen, (But in vain was her pleading,)
denn meine Hilfe war zu schwach. (For my powers of help were too weak.)
Du, du, du wirst sie zu befreien gehen, (You, you, you will go to free her,)
du wirst der Tochter Retter sein! (You will be my daughter's savior.)
ja! du wirst der Tochter Retter sein. (Yes, you will be the rescuer of my daughter.)
Und werd' ich dich als Sieger sehen, (And if I see you return in triumph,)
so sei sie dann auf ewig dein. (Let her then be yours forever.)
O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn, is the first aria performed by the Queen of the Night in Mozart's The Magic Flute, requiring great vocal flexibility. In this scene, Prince Tamino has fallen deeply in love with Princess Pamina, the daughter of the Queen, upon seeing her portrait. The Queen appears, telling the Prince sadly of her daughter's abduction. While this story seems frivolous and antiqued, it still portrays the love of a mother and her devotion to her daughter, a "root" that, for those who are fortunate to have, should always be treasured.
Lyrics
O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn, (Oh, tremble not, my dear son!)
du bist unschuldig, weise, fromm (You are innocent, wise, pious;)
Ein Jüngling so wie du, vermag am besten, (A youth like you is best able)
dies tiefbetrübte Mutterherz zu trösten. (to console this deeply troubled mother's heart.)
Zum Leiden bin ich auserkoren, (I am chosen for suffering)
denn meine Tochter fehlet mir. (For my daughter is gone from me;)
Durch sie ging all mein Glück verloren, (Through her all my happiness has been lost,)
ein Bösewicht, ein Bösewicht entfloh mit ihr. (A villain, a villain fled with her.)
Noch seh' ich ihr Zittern (I can still see her trembling)
mit bangem Erschüttern, (with fearful shaking,)
ihr ängstliches Beben, (her frightened quaking,)
ihr schüchternes Streben. (her timid effort.)
Ich mußte sie mir rauben sehen. (I had to see her stolen from me.)
"Ach helft! Ach helft!" – war alles was sie sprach ("Oh help! Oh help!" – was all that she said)
allein vergebens war ihr Flehen, (But in vain was her pleading,)
denn meine Hilfe war zu schwach. (For my powers of help were too weak.)
Du, du, du wirst sie zu befreien gehen, (You, you, you will go to free her,)
du wirst der Tochter Retter sein! (You will be my daughter's savior.)
ja! du wirst der Tochter Retter sein. (Yes, you will be the rescuer of my daughter.)
Und werd' ich dich als Sieger sehen, (And if I see you return in triumph,)
so sei sie dann auf ewig dein. (Let her then be yours forever.)