I’m only a bit embarrassed to select the following as my song of the week. Taken from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, and reincarnated this week by the mighty Fox Network’s Glee, our song of the week underscores the inner sappiness of yours truly.

Bella Notte first graced audiences ears in the 1955 animated classic Lady and the Tramp. The nostalgic among us may recall the music and the scene where Lady and the Tramp share their first kiss over spaghetti.

Immediately, the music and the image became iconic, setting unrealistic romantic expectations for generations.

Despite, it’s rather famous provenance, the song has not enjoyed great commercial success. A part of the song’s history is a protracted legal battle in which recording artist Peggy Lee sued Disney over the rights to the song when it began marketing VHS cassettes in the late 80s. It’s really a shame. A cover of the song by Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra would have been amazing.

As if to make up for is scant performance history, the song made an appearance recently on the hit show Glee as a part of the series season finale set in New York, New York. The scene in the program tries to capture a similar romantic vignette between the punctilious Rachel Berry and former star quarterback, now glee club member Finn Hudson. For those who care, Rollingstone has a summary of the episode here.

I’ve only seen two episodes of Glee, but the cast’s performance of the song was just terrific. The music is romantic just as a New York evening should be, while the lyrics typify a forthright ode to enchantment itself. Sung by a men’s quartet, everything from the harmony to the tempo is perfect about this song. When the performance concluded, I had cold chills. It’s just that stunning.

I’ve embedded the Glee performance of the song below. A music only version can be found here, and here. Lyrics follow after the jump. Enjoy!

http://www.hulu.com/embed/n8lL8T_JbRw1pRH77ntN4g/742/853

Bella Notte
As performed by the Cast of Glee

Oh, this is the night
It’s a beautiful night
And we call it bella notte

Look at the skies
They have stars in their eyes 
On this lovely bella notte

Side by side with your loved one
You’ll find enchantment here

The night will weave it’s magic spell
When the one you love is near

Oh this is the night and heavens are right 
On this lovely bella notte

This is the night
It’s a beautiful night
And they call it bella notte

Look at the skies
They have stars in their eyes 
On this lovely belle notte

Side by side with your loved one
You’ll find enchantment here

The night will weave it’s magic spell
When the one you love is near

Oh this is the night and heavens are right 
On this lovely bella notte