Romance is at the heart of opera. Before we get into Anna Bolena, we want to share one of the most beautiful and seductive arias for mezzo-soprano, “Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix” (“Softly awakes my heart”) from Camille Saint-Saëns's opera Samson and Delilah. I think the song conveys how we are often powerless against love, no matter how much we fight it. No one sings this piece like Jessye Norman. ❤️

My heart opens to your voice
Like the flowers open
To the kisses of the dawn!
But, oh my beloved,
To better dry my tears,
Let your voice speak again!
Tell me that you are returning
To Delilah forever!