One of the greatest operatic tenors of the 20th century, Jussi Björling sings La Donna è Mobile, a famous canzone from the beginning of act 3 of Giuseppe Verdi’s 1851 opera Rigoletto. This recording is from the Ed Sullivan Show in 1957.

One of the greatest operatic tenors of the 20th century, Jussi Björling sings La Donna è Mobile, a famous canzone from the beginning of act 3 of Giuseppe Verdi’s 1851 opera Rigoletto. This recording is from the Ed Sullivan Show in 1957.

La Donna è Mobile

“La donna è mobile” is a famous aria from the opera Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi. The opera, which premiered in 1851 at La Fenice Opera House in Venice, is one of Verdi’s greatest works and is celebrated for its complex characters, intricate plot, and beautiful music. “La donna è mobile” translates to “Woman is fickle” from Italian and is known for its catchy melody and light, lively rhythm, which contrast with its cynical lyrics about the inconstancy of women.

The aria is sung by the Duke of Mantua in the third act of the opera. The Duke is a womanizer, and the aria reflects his cavalier attitude towards women, suggesting that they are fickle and untrustworthy. Despite the superficial charm of the music, the aria adds depth to the Duke’s character, revealing his superficiality and lack of empathy.

Musically, “La donna è mobile” is characterized by its bright, engaging melody and simple structure, making it incredibly catchy and one of the most recognizable pieces of opera music in popular culture. Its accessibility has contributed to its widespread popularity beyond the opera house, featuring in films, commercials, and various media.

Verdi was a master at conveying complex emotions and situations through his music, and “La donna è mobile” is no exception. While it can be appreciated for its musical qualities, understanding the context within which it is performed in the opera adds layers of meaning to the aria.

The premiere of Rigoletto and the debut of “La donna è mobile” were significant events in the world of opera. Verdi had to take special precautions to keep the melody of “La donna è mobile” secret before the premiere because he knew it would be a hit. Indeed, after its first performance, the melody became instantly popular, reportedly sung in the streets of Venice the next morning.

“La donna è mobile” remains a staple in the repertoire of tenors worldwide and a favorite among opera enthusiasts for its melodic beauty and the technical challenge it presents to performers. Its enduring popularity underscores Verdi’s genius in creating music that resonates across generations, retaining its power to entertain and move audiences.

La Donna è Mobile lyrics (text)

Italian

La donna è mobile
Qual piuma al vento
Muta d’accento
E di pensiero

Sempre un amabile
Leggiadro viso
In pianto o in riso
È menzognero

La donna è mobile
Qual piuma al vento
Muta d’accento
E di pensier
E di pensier — E di pensier

È sempre misero
Chi a lei s’affida
Chi le confida
Malcauto il core

Pur mai non sentesi
Felice appieno
Chi su quel seno
Non liba amore

La donna è mobile
Qual piuma al vento
Muta d’accento
E di pensier
E di pensier — E di pensier

English translation

Woman is flighty.
Like a feather in the wind,
she changes in voice
and in thought.

Always a lovely,
pretty face,
in tears or in laughter,
it is untrue.

Refrain
The woman is fickle.
Like a feather in the wind,
she changes her words
and her thoughts!

Always miserable
is he who trusts her,
he who confides in her
his unwary heart!

Yet one never feels
fully happy
who from that bosom
does not drink love!

Refrain
The woman is fickle.
Like a feather in the wind,
she changes her words,
and her thoughts!

English poetic adaptation

Plume in the summerwind
Waywardly playing
Ne’er one way swaying
Each whim obeying;

Thus heart of womankind
Ev’ry way bendeth,
Woe who dependeth
On joy she spendeth!

Refrain
Yes, heart of woman
Ev’ry way bendeth
Woe who dependeth
On joy she spends.

Sorrow and misery
Follow her smiling,
Fond hearts beguiling,
falsehood assoiling!

Yet all felicity
Is her bestowing,
No joy worth knowing
Is there but wooing.

Refrain
Yes, heart of woman
Ev’ry way bendeth
Woe who dependeth
On joy she spends.