The eternal war against spammers

A quick note: This journal has started to get comments from spam accounts. I intend to deal with any of those promptly and mercilessly, but if it seems like I've missed one, let me know.

Of course, comments from real people, rather than spambots, are always welcome! I don't expect this to happen, but if I have banned a legitimate account as a spammer, please e-mail me at opera (dot) translation (at) gmail (dot) com, and I will get things sorted out as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience while I deal with this issue.

Ave Signor (Mefistofele)

"Ave Signor," Mefistofele's first aria from Boito's opera Mefistofele. The Prologue of the opera takes place in heaven. In this aria, Mephistopheles (the Devil) shows up to mock God, the heavenly hosts, and humanity. Thanks to the people at linguaphiles for helping me figure out a tricky bit of grammar. As always, any remaining mistakes are entirely mine.

( that drunkard's illusion which he calls Reason )

Si può? (I Pagliacci)

"Si può?" Prologue to Ruggero Leoncavallo's opera I Pagliacci.

( rather than our poor costumes as actors, consider our souls )