Overture / Hannibal

This trophy from our saviors
From our saviors
From the enslaving force of Rome!

With feasting and dancing and song
Tonight in celebration
We greet the victorious throng
Returned to bring salvation!

The trumpets of Carthage resound!
Hear, Romans, now and tremble!
Hark to our step on the ground!

Hear the drums
Hannibal comes!

Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by
Roma's far-reaching grasp

Gentlemen, gentlemen
Rehearsals, as you can see, are under way, for a new production of
Chalumeau's 'Hannibal'

M. Lefevre, I am rehearsing

M. Reyer, Mme. Giry, ladies and gentlemen, please, if I can have
Your attention, thank you
As you know, for some weeks there have been rumors of my imminent retirement
I can now tell you that these were all true
And it is my pleasure to introduce to you
The two gentlemen who now own the Opera Populaire
M. Richard Firmin and M. Gilles Andre

And we're deeply honored to introduce our new patron
The Vicomte de Chagny

My parents and I are honored to support all the arts
Especially the world-renowned Opera Populaire

Gentlemen, Signora Carlitta Guidicelli, our leading soprano for
Five seasons now
Signor Ubaldo Piangi

An honour, Signor, I believe I'm keeping you for your rehearsal
I will be here this evening to share your great triumph
My apologies, monsieur

Thank you, M. Le Vicomte, once more, if you please, Signor

He love me
We take a particular pride here in the excellence of our ballets, monsieur
I see why, especially the little blonde angel
My daughter, Meg Giry
And that exceptional beauty, no relation I trust
Christine Daae, promising talent, M. Firmin, very promising
Daae, you say? No relation to the famous Swedish violinist?
His only child, an orphan at seven when she came to live and
Train in the Ballet Dormitory
An orphan, you said?

Bid welcome to Hannibal's guests
The elephants of Carthage!
As guides on our conquering quests
Dido sends
Hannibals friends!

The trumpeting elephants sound
Hear, Romans, now and tremble!
Hark to their step on the ground
Hear the drums!
Hannibal comes!