from Act I of the English opera
Candide by Leonard Bernstein
Libretto: Richard Wilbur
Role: Cunegonde, daughter of a Baron
Voice Part: soprano Fach: lyric coloratura
Setting: Paris, France, 18th century
Synopsis: After escaping the war that destroyed her family, Cunegonde is forced to maintain her lifestyle by sharing herself with several important Parisians. She sings that she must conceal her unhappiness by laughter and cheerful demeanor.