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NESSUN DORMA
THE OPERA IS SET IN PEKING CHINA
At the beginning of the opera, which is set in Peking, China, Calaf, an unknown price, falls in love at first sight with the beautiful but haughty Princess Turandot. According to royal edict, however, any suitor who wishes to marry her must correctly answer three riddles. Those who fail are killed. Despite protests from his father and his servant, Calaf accepts the challenge and is determined to marry Turandot.
Much to the delight of the princess’s father, as well as the entire kingdom, Calaf answers all three riddles correctly. But Turandot refuses to marry this stranger. She doesn’t even know his name. The prince then makes a deal with her: If she can figure out his name before dawn, he will gladly die. If she cannot, they will marry. Turandot agrees and the countdown begins.
Late that night, the princess declares that no one will sleep until she learns the name of her suitor. In fact, she cries out that everyone in the kingdom will be killed if no one steps forward to reveal Calaf’s identity. Meanwhile, Calaf confidently sings, “Nessun Dorma”—"Nobody shall sleep.”