Opera has always been celebrated as the pinnacle of theatrical art, yet a significant gap has existed between the works performed on stage and Maltese-speaking audiences. A new, groundbreaking publication by Albert Marshall, 9 Opri (9 operas) addresses this gap with translations of nine of the most important and beloved opera libretti, rendered into Maltese for the first time.

Published by Horizons, the work aims to enrich the experience of local opera enthusiasts by making these works accessible in our native language, allowing for deeper understanding and appreciation.

"For a long time, I was acutely aware of a gap in the accessibility of opera in the Maltese language," the translator and author explains. "I would attend performances and see audiences admiring the beautifully-presented programmes, which often included the libretto. But I couldn't help but wonder whether they were getting the full experience. The plots and sub-plots can be quite intricate, especially when using the French or Italian language. While the most popular arias may resonate, the narrative depth is often lost."

The idea behind 9 Opri is simple, yet transformative: by translating the libretti into Maltese, the project aims to give audiences an opportunity to fully understand the complex narratives that drive some of the most celebrated operatic works. This initiative is not about adapting the pieces to be performed in Maltese, but rather about ensuring that audiences can understand and enjoy them within their literary and cultural context.

"I wanted the translations to remain loyal to the original works but also to allow for creative freedom," Marshall elaborates. "My intention is not to provide a translation to be performed on stage, but for the libretto in Maltese to stand on its own. I did not wish to replicate the original rhythmic structure, as this would have placed a constraint on the richness and nuances of our language. My goal was to allow readers to appreciate the narrative by using 9 Opri as a companion to the original performance."

The nine operas, selected by Marshall for their popularity and cultural importance to Maltese audiences, are La Boheme, Carmen, Rigoletto, Tosca, La Traviata, Cavalleria Rusticana, Paljacci, Norma and Il Barbiere di Seviglia.

Marshall adds that the translations took nearly three years to complete, due to the depth of research required. "I delved deeply into the idiom and linguistic style of each libretto, examining subtexts, researching obscure linguistic elements and placing the language into historical context."

This collection is unique in its approach to the reader's experience. In fact, Marshall advises readers to listen to the opera recordings softly in the background while reading along.

"Opera is an art that deserves patience, and understanding the intricacies of plot and character takes time. By reading the Maltese translation while listening to the music, I trust that I can help opera lovers enjoy a fuller experience."

The publication includes a detailed foreword by renowned opera singer Jose Cura. Indeed, Cura has been so inspired by the potential impact of the translations, that there are now plans for the publication to serve as a key text for workshops.

The book, which was launched at a well-attended event during this year's Malta Book Festival, is now available from local book shops or directly from Horizon.