
Richard Tucker Music Foundation Gala (1993) Avery Fisher Hall in New York c. Daniel Oren (at the same concert: James Morris, Samuel Ramey, Renee Fleming, Florence Quivar, Thomas Hampson, Ruth Ann Swenson, Birgit Nilsson) COUNT DI LERMA The Grand Inquisitor! INQUISITOR Am I in the King's presence? FILIPPO Yes; I sent you, father! I am in doubt. Carlo is filling my heart with bitter sadness; The Infante is rebelling against me, He has taken up arms against his father. INQUISITOR What mode of punishment do you choose? FILIPPO Extreme measures. INQUISITOR Let me know them! FILIPPO Let him escape or let the axe... INQUISITOR Well? FILIPPO If I send my son to death will your hand absolve me? INQUISITOR The peace of the Empire is worth a rebel's life. FILIPPO Can I, a Christian, sacrifice my son for the world? INQUISITOR To redeem us God sacrificed His. FILIPPO But can you put into force such a stringent law? INQUISITOR Everywhere it will have force, as it had it on Calvary. FILIPPO Can nature and love be silenced in me? INQUISITOR Everything must be silenced in order to exalt the faith. FILIPPO Very well! INQUISITOR Has the King nothing further to ask me? FILIPPO No. INQUISITOR Then it is I who will speak to you, Sire, On Spanish soil, heresy has never prevailed, but there is one who wishes to undermine the divine edifice. He is the King's friend, his constant companion, the demon of temptation who spurs him on to ruin. Carlo's treason, which has enraged you so, in comparison <b>...</b>
Verdi
Don Carlos
Il Grand'Inquisitor
James Morris
Samuel Ramey