Komm Hoffnung

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From Beethoven's only opera, Fidelio, we hear the most famous aria for Leonore, who dressed as a man, infiltrates a prison to free her husband Florestan. At this point of the opera, she has overheard Pizarro, who has unjustly imprisoned Florestan, decide to kill him before the minister of state arrives to inspect the prison. Leonore apostrophises Hope and affirms her unwavering strength of purpose, fortified by Love. Note how Lehmann sings the words with such passionate identification with their meaning, that we hardly need to know the original language or read a translation. The word "Liebe" (love) is especially warmly sung.