Je Crois Entendre Encore

The song 'Je Crois Entendre Encore,' composed by Georges Bizet, is a poignant aria from the opera 'Les pêcheurs de perles' (The Pearl Fishers). This piece is sung by the character Nadir, who reminisces about a beautiful, enchanting night he spent with his beloved, Leïla. The lyrics convey a deep sense of nostalgia and longing as Nadir recalls the tender and melodious voice of Leïla, likening it to the cooing of doves. The imagery of being hidden under palm trees and the reference to the soft evening breezes lifting her veils evoke a sensual and exotic atmosphere, transporting the listener to a distant time and place filled with enchantment and desire.

The repeated chorus, 'Oh, nuit enchanteresse, Divin ravissement,' which translates to 'Oh, enchanting night, divine ecstasy,' emphasizes the magical quality of the memory and the intense emotions it stirs within Nadir. The use of the words 'folle ivresse, doux rêve,' meaning 'mad intoxication, sweet dream,' further illustrates the intoxicating and dreamlike state that the memory induces. The aria is a testament to the power of memory to evoke past emotions and the pain of unattainable desires. It is a moment where Nadir is lost in the reverie of his past love, a love that is as haunting as it is beautiful.

Georges Bizet's composition, with its delicate and lyrical melody, perfectly captures the essence of yearning and the bittersweet nature of cherished memories. The aria is a staple in the tenor repertoire, celebrated for its emotional depth and the technical skill required to perform it. 'Je Crois Entendre Encore' stands as a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has ever been captivated by a memory of lost love.