YMA SUMAC sings Vissi d’arte (Tosca, Puccini), July 28th, 1953.
Exclusive to this channel, Yma Sumac sings Vissi d’arte (Tosca, Puccini), July 28th, 1953 at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado. Sumac sang in several languages (English, Spanish, Russian, Quechua and Italian). She considered herself an international singer, therefore she incorporated operatic arias in her repertoire among other styles of music. The Diva’s homelife was nowhere near as happy as her 60 year career. She was loved around the world by adoring audiences. At home, however, her life was devoid of sentiment and gratitude, loyalty or trust. So this aria is especially heart wrenching with that in mind.
From: The Voice (volume 1) available only at
Song performance and photos ©Damon Devine/Official Yma Sumac Archives
VISSI D’ARTE
Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore
Non feci mai male ad anima viva!
Con man furtiva
Quante miserie conobbi aiutai
Sempre con fè sincera
La mia preghiera
Ai santi tabernacoli sal