"Il dolce suono" ("The Sweet Sound") is the incipit of the recitativo of a scena ed aria taken from Act III scene 2, Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti. It is also commonly known as the "mad scene" sung by the leading soprano, Lucia.
Lucia descends into madness, and on her wedding night, while the festivities are still being held in the Great Hall, she stabs her new husband, Arturo, in the bridal chamber. Disheveled, unaware of what she has done, she wanders in the Great Hall, recalling her meetings with Edgardo and imagining herself married to him.
Donizetti intended the aria to be accompanied by the eerie sound of the glass harmonica, though this instrument is often replaced in performance by a flute.
An arrangement of the aria was featured in the film The Fifth Element, sung by the alien character Diva Plavalaguna voiced by Inva Mula. Russian pop countertenor Vitas recorded a similar shortened version under the title "Lucia Di Lammermoor".[1] While singing the part, Vitas changed the lyric "Edgardo" to "Esther" (hence the text "Esther! io ti son reso!").[2] [3]
Un'armonia celeste, di', non ascolti?Ah, l'inno suona di nozze!Il rito per noi s'appresta! Oh, me felice! Oh gioia che si sente, e non si dice! Ardon gl'incensi!Splendon le sacre faci, splendon intorno!Ecco il ministro!Porgimi la destra!Oh lieto giorno!Al fin son tua, al fin sei mio, a me ti dona un Dio.Ogni piacer più grato, mi fia con te diviso Del ciel clemente un risola vita a noi sarà.
A heavenly harmony, tell me, do you not hear it?Ah, the marriage hymn is playing!They are preparing the rite for us! Oh, how happy I am!Oh joy that is felt but not said! The incense is burning!The holy torches are shining, shining around!Here is the minister!Give me your right hand!Oh joyful day!At last I am yours, at last you are mine,A god gives you to me.Let me share The greatest pleasures with you,Life for us will beA smile from merciful heaven.