Entertainment Music "Credo in un Dio crudel" Lyrics and Text Translation Iago's Aria from Verdi's Opera, Otello Share PINTEREST Email Print Giuseppi Verdi. Giuseppi Verdi Music Classical Music Lyrics Basics Operas Rock Music Pop Music Alternative Music Country Music Folk Music Rap & Hip Hop Rhythm & Blues World Music Punk Music Heavy Metal Jazz Latin Music Oldies Learn More By Aaron Green Music Expert B.A., Classical Music and Opera, Westminster Choir College of Rider University Aaron M. Green is an expert on classical music and music history, with more than 10 years of both solo and ensemble performance experience. our editorial process Aaron Green Updated March 17, 2017 Sung in the beginning of Act II of Verdi's opera, Otello, (see more Verdi operas) Iago starts crafting his plan by advising Cassio to get back in Otello's good graces. (Cassio was recently demoted by Otello.) He tells Cassio to speak with Otello's wife, Desdemona. If all goes according to play, Desdemona will help change the mind of her husband by speaking on behalf of Cassio. Finally, when Cassio leaves and Iago is alone, Iago reveals his true nature in this frightening aria which translates to, "I believe in a cruel God." Listen to this aria on YouTube. Italian Lyrics Credo in un Dio crudelche m'ha creato simile a sèe che nell'ira io nomo.Dalla viltà d'un germeo d'un atomo vile son nato.Son scellerato perchè son uomo;e sento il fango originario in me.Sì! Questa è la mia fè!Credo con fermo cuor,siccome crede la vedovella al tempio,che il mal ch'io pensoe che da me procede,per il mio destino adempio.Credo che il guistoè un istrion beffardo,e nel viso e nel cuor,che tutto è in lui bugiardo:lagrima, bacio, sguardo,sacrificio ed onor.E credo l'uom giocod'iniqua sortedal germe della cullaal verme dell'avel.Vien dopo tanta irrision la Morte.E poi? E poi?La Morte è il Nulla.È vecchia fola il Ciel! Looking for more baritone arias? See my top 10 list of famous baritone arias. English Lyrics I believe in a cruel Godwho created me like himselfin anger of whom that I name.From the cowardice of a seedor of a vile atom I was born.I am a son evil because I am a man;and I feel the primitive mud in me.Yes! This is my faith!I believe with a firm heart,so does the widow in the temple,the evil I thinkand proceeds from me,fulfills my destiny.I think the honest manis a mockery,in face and heart,that everything is in him is a lie:tears, kisses, looks,sacrifices and honor.And I think the man plays a gameof unjust fatethe seed of the cradlethe worm of the grave.After all this foolishness comes death.And then what? And then?Death is Nothingness.Heaven is an old wives' tale! More aria translations... Ave Maria LyricsCatalog Aria from Mozart's Don Giovanni"Fantaisie aux divins mensonges" Lyrics from Delibes' Mondern Major General Lyrics