A Waltz of Pure Elegance: Dmitry Hvorostovsky and Valentina Naforniță Unite for “Lippen schweigen”
At the magnificent open-air gala “Classics at the Palace Square” (Классика на Дворцовой) in Saint Petersburg in 2015, a truly magical musical moment took place. The legendary Siberian baritone Dmitry Hvorostovsky joined forces with the radiant Moldovan soprano Valentina Naforniță to perform the iconic duet from Franz Lehár’s beloved 1905 operetta, Die Lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow).
The duet, famously known as “Lippen schweigen” (Lips Are Silent) or Danilo and Hanna’s Duet, was a masterclass in stage chemistry, vocal luxury, and timeless romance.
The Performance: Romance Under the Saint Petersburg Sky
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Winter Palace, the performance celebrated Saint Petersburg’s founding day with a grand symphonic accompaniment. Accompanied by the Mikhailovsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Mikhail Tatarnikov, the duet became an instant highlight of the gala.
[The Magic of "Lippen schweigen"]
├── The Intimacy: The famous Waltz theme begins softly, introducing the unspoken love between Danilo and Hanna.
├── The Dynamic: Dmitry’s rich, velvety baritone harmonizing with Valentina's bright, crystalline soprano.
├── The Visuals: Dancers from the L. Jacobson Ballet Theatre weaving around the singers in a sweeping, elegant waltz.
As the lush orchestral waltz swelled, the onstage chemistry between the two singers was palpable. Hvorostovsky, with his trademark silver hair and commanding, aristocratic stage presence, brought a charming, playful warmth to the role of Count Danilo. Valentina Naforniță, exquisite in her elegance, matched him note-for-note with a glittering vocal clarity that perfectly captured Hanna Glawari’s alluring mystique.
The Core of the Song: When Lips Are Silent, the Soul Speaks
“Lippen schweigen” is the emotional climax of The Merry Widow. Rather than declaring their love through grand, dramatic declarations, Hanna and Danilo finally acknowledge their feelings through the unspoken language of the waltz.
The famous lyrics encapsulate this delicate, romantic tension:
“Lippen schweigen, ‘s flüstern Geigen: Hab mich lieb!…” (Lips are silent, violins whisper: Love me! … Every step says: You love me, even if you don’t say it!)
The addition of the L. Jacobson Ballet Theatre dancers on stage, executing choreography by Ilya Larionov, elevated the visual storytelling, making the Palace Square feel like a grand, mid-nineteenth-century European ballroom.
A Cherished Memory in Legacy
This 2015 St. Petersburg performance remains a deeply cherished showcase for opera lovers worldwide. Witnessing the late, great Dmitry Hvorostovsky—who tragically passed away in 2017—exhibiting his effortless charm and vocal brilliance alongside a rising star like Valentina Naforniță serves as a poignant reminder of his immense artistic legacy. It stands as an exquisite snapshot of two world-class artists making classical operetta feel utterly fresh, deeply emotional, and profoundly romantic.