Original London Cast - OvertureLyrics

CARLOTTA: This trophy from our saviours, from our saviours! From the enslaving force of Rome! GIRL'S CHORUS: With feasting and dancing and song, tonight in celebration, we greet the victorious throng, returned to bring salvation! MEN'S CHORUS: The trumpets of Carthage resound! Hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark to our step on the ground! ALL: Hear the drums - Hannibal comes! PIANGI: Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp, REYER: Signor . . . if you please: "Rome". We say "Rome' not "Roma" PIANGI: Si, si, Rome, not Roma. Is very hard for me. LEFEVRE: This way, gentlemen, this way. Rehearsals, as you see, are under way, for a new production of Chalumeau's "Hannibal". Ladies and gentlemen, some of you may already, perhaps, have met M. Andre and M. Firmin ... REYER: I'm sorry, M. Lefevre, we are rehearsing. If you wouldn't mind waiting a moment? LEFEVRE: My apologies, M. Reyer. Proceed, proceed ... REYER: Thank you, monsieur. "Sad to return..." Signor ... LEFEVRE: M. Reyer, our chief repetiteur. Rather a tyrant, I'm afraid. PIANGI: Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Rome's far-reaching grasp. Tomorrow, we shall break the chains of Rome. Tonight, rejoice - your army has come home. By Nehemoth