Overview
Introduction
Mattinata (Italian pronunciation: [mattiˈnaːta]; English: "Morning") was the first song ever written expressly for the Gramophone Company (the present day EMI). Composed by Ruggero Leoncavallo in 1904, this song was dedicated to Enrico Caruso, who was the first to record it in 1904 with the composer at the piano. Ever since, this piece has become a concert favourite of tenors. Emilio Pericoli recorded a cover version for Warner Brother Records, 1964.
Costa Rican band Gaviota recorded a Spanish version in 1982, for CBS Indica Records, the version was arranged by Carlos Guzmán Bermúdez.
More than a half-century later this song was recorded by Italian-born tenor Sergio Franchi on his American-debut album, Romantic Italian Songs (RCA Victor Red Seal, 1962). In only three months, Franchi's album of mostly Neapolitan favorites songs placed number seventeen on the Billboard Top 200. Thirty-six years later (eight years after Franchi's death) the same album placed number one hundred sixty-seven on the Billboard 200.
Lyrics
歌词大意：黎明已披上白色的晨装，东方太阳灿烂辉煌，那玫瑰花是多么芬芳，娇艳的鲜花在怒放！奇异的力量把全世界从甜蜜的梦中唤醒，但你却不苏醒，也没听见我在这里痛苦地歌唱。请你穿上那白色的衣裳，为你的歌手打开门窗，哪里没有你就没有光明，哪里有了你，就有爱情。
Italian
L'aurora di bianco vestita
Già l'uscio dischiude al gran sol;
Di già con le rosee sue dita
Carezza de' fiori lo stuol!
Commosso da un fremito arcano
Intorno il creato già par;
E tu non-ti desti, ed invano
Mi sto qui dolente a cantar.
Metti anche tu la veste bianca
E schiudi l'uscio al tuo cantor!
Ove non-sei la luce manca;
Ove tu sei nasce l'amor.
Ove non-sei la luce manca;
Ove tu sei nasce l'amor.
English translation
The dawn, dressed in white,
has already opened the door to the sun,
and caresses the flowers with its pink fingers.
A mysterious trembling seems to disturb all nature.
And yet you will not get up, and vainly
I stand here sadly singing.
Dress yourself also in white,
and open the door to your serenader!
Where you are not, there is no light;
where you are, love is born.
Where you are not, there is no light;
where you are, love is born.
