Mario Lanza Sings Gaetano Donizetti’s Aria Like Never Before

The 1949 musical film That Midnight Kiss brought together the enchanting Kathryn Grayson and the powerful Mario Lanza in a story filled with romance and music. This charming production marked Lanza’s film debut, showcasing his operatic voice alongside Grayson’s angelic soprano.

Set against a backdrop of love and ambition, the film featured memorable performances and timeless melodies. One of the most breathtaking scenes is when Mario Lanza, who portrayed Johnny Donnetti, sang “Una furtiva lagrima,” the famous romanza from Act 2 of Gaetano Donizetti’s Italian opera L’elisir d’amore.

“Una furtiva lagrima,” which means “A Furtive Tear” in English, is an aria sung by Nemorino in the second act of L’elisir d’amore. In the opera, Nemorino is in love with Adina but thinks she doesn’t feel the same.

Hoping to win her over, he buys what he believes is a love potion, though it’s actually just cheap wine. Later, when he sees Adina shed a tear for him, he realizes she does love him after all. Overwhelmed with joy, he sings this beautiful aria to express his happiness and disbelief.

The song is a deeply emotional aria that highlights the tenor’s ability to blend passion and tenderness. The graceful, haunting melody and simple orchestration let the singer’s voice take center stage, especially during the high notes and delicate phrasing.

The lyrics capture a heartfelt moment as Nemorino sees Adina’s tear and takes it as a sign of her love. His disbelief and wonder make this a touching scene in the opera. This aria has been performed by many great tenors over the years and remains a standout piece in the bel canto tradition.