Depuis le jour ("Since the day" from "Louise") ... Charpentier
Ritorna vincitor ("Return victorious" from "Aida") ... Verdi
Julien, a Parisian artist, falls in love with Louise, a working girl. Her parents will not let her marry a man of so happy-go-lucky a profession, as they think it, so the lovers run away together to Montmartre. There, in their charming little garden overlooking Paris, Louise sings this song, telling Julien how much happier she is with him than toiling in the dull workshop she used to know.
Radames, the hero of Verdi's Opera, has been appointed Leader of the Egyptian Army against the Ethiopians. Aida, a slave of the King's daughter, loves him; but she is the daughter of the Ethiopian King, so is moved by opposing affections.
After the Egyptians have sent Radames off with acclamations and wishes for his safe return, she is left alone, repeating their words 'Return victorious,' and calling upon Heaven to pity her distress.