Leyla Gencer: Bellini - Norma, ’Casta Diva’

Leyla Gencer, or Ayşe Leyla Çeyrekgil (October 10, 1928 -- May 10, 2008) was a world-renowned Turkish operatic soprano. Known as “La Diva Turca“ (The Turkish Diva) and “La Regina“ (The Queen) in the opera world, Gencer was a notable bel canto soprano who spent most of her career in Italy, from the early 1950s through the mid-1980s, and had a repertoire encompassing more than seventy roles. She made very few commercial recordings; however, numerous bootleg recordings of her performances exist. In particular, Gencer was associated with the heroines of Donizetti... Lyrics & English Translation O pure Goddess, who silver These sacred ancient plants, Turn thy beautiful semblance on us Unclouded and unveiled... Temper, o Goddess, The brave zeal Of the ardent spirits, Scatter on the earth the peace Thou make reign in the sky...