Overture (Live At The Royal Albert Hall, 2011)

This trophy
From our saviours
From our saviours
From the enslaving force of Rome!

With feasting and dancing and song, tonight in celebration
We greet the victorious throng, returned to bring salvation!
The trumpets of Carthage resound!
Hear, Romans, now and tremble!
Hark to our step on the ground!
Hear the drums
Hannibal comes!

Sad to return to find that the land we love
Threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp

(No, no, no, no...) Signor, if you please: "Rome"
We say "Rome" not "Roma"
Rome. Rome is very hard for me.
It's very, very hard. I am from Italy.
Just get it right, please.
Rome. Signor...

Sad to return to find the land we love
Threatened once more by Rome's far-reaching grasp
Tomorrow we shall break the chains of Rome
Tonight, rejoice
Your army ha- ha- has come home

Bid welcome to Hannibal's guests
The elephants of Carthage
As guides on our conquering quests
Dido sends
Hannibal's friends

Once more to my welcoming arms
My love returns in splendour

Once more to the sweetest of charms
My heart and soul surrender

The trumpeting elephants sound
Hear Romans now and tremble
Hark to their step on the ground
Hear the drums
Hannibal comes!

Hey! Hey! We're doing that all again!
Thank you very much.
You were very good.
This song is very marvellous. Thank you.
This way, gentlemen, this way.

Girls!
Rehearsals, as you see, are underway for a new production of Chalumeau's Hannibal.
Ladies and gentlemen...
Ladies and gentlemen, please...
Ladies and...
Madame Giry.
Thank you.
May I have your attention, please?
As you know, for some weeks there have been rumors about my
Imminent retirement.
I can now tell you, these were all true
And it is now my pleasure to introduce you to the
Two gentlemen who now own the Opera Populaire
Monsieur Richard Firmin
And Monsieur Giles André.

Oh, no, please. There's no need.

Gentlemen, Signora Carlotta Giudicelli,
Our leading soprano for nineteen seasons now.

Of course, of course, I have experienced all your greatest roles, signora.

And Signor Ubaldo Piangi.

An honor, signor.

If I remember rightly, Elissa has a rather fine aria in Act Three of Hannibal.
I wonder, signora, if, as a personal favour,
You would oblige us with a private rendition?
Unless, of course, Monsieur Reyer objects...

No, my manager commands! Monsieur Reyer!

My diva commands.
Would two bars be sufficient introduction?

Two bars will be quite sufficient.