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Cantata Editions Catalogue

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Your search has produced 272 results from the following 23 composers

Amadei (Pippo del violoncello), Filippo | Arrigoni, Carlo | Bigaglia, Diogenio | Bononcini, Giovanni | Carissimi, Giacomo | Colonna, Giovanni Paolo | d'Astorga, Barone Emanuele | Fago, Nicola | Gasparini, Francesco | Handel, George Frederick | Hasse, Johann Adolph | Leo, Leonardo | Lotti, Antonio | Mancini, Francesco | Marcello, Benedetto | Pepusch, Johann Christoph | Pistocchi, Francesco Antonio | Porpora, Nicola Antonio | Porsile, Giuseppe | Sarri(Sarro), Domenico Natale | Scarlatti, Alessandro | Scarlatti, Domenico | Vinci, Leonardo | Please scroll down to view...

Amadei (Pippo del violoncello), Filippo (c1665 - c1725)

Continuo cantata
  • Lidia pur giunta e l'ora
    Forces: bass & continuo
    One of Amadei's five known cantatas, this is a wonderful example of the genre with some quite piercing chromatic moments. The young man is forced to leave his beloved Lidia, but to leave her is 'like to die'. Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3915
    Range: FF - e flat
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Arrigoni, Carlo (b Florence, 5 Dec 1697; d Florence, 18 Aug 1744)

Continuo cantata
  • Ti sento amor, ti sento
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14213, ff 71v - 76r
    A work of some inventiveness which belies some comments about Arrigoni's lack of imagination. The lover sings of Amarilli and the pain/joy that love causes. There are some incredible leaps for the genre, 10ths, minor 9ths etc. aria - recit - aria format.
    Range: G - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Bigaglia, Diogenio (b Venice, c1676; d Venice, c1745)

Continuo cantata
  • Aure Care, Frondi amene
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source BL Add. 14222 ff 34-39
    Aria - recit - aria with very interesting harmonic treatment.
    Range: a' - d''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Se tu resisti ò cor
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL Add 14212 f75 - 81v
    The figures are in a different hand to the manuscript copy (perhaps a later performer?)
    An attractive work with a very interesting 'left-footed' Siciliano to end.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Bononcini, Giovanni (1670-1747)

Continuo cantata
  • All'or che il cieco nume
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    '...it is better to have loved and lost...' could easily be the motto of this cantata. Despite pleading to Cupid for mercy the 'blind God' remains silent and leaves the protagonists to their misery. RARARAR format
    Source: BL Add 31547 f25r - 33r
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Amo, e ridir nol posso
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    To love and not be able to express it cannot be an easy thing. Suffering, burning, the flames and pains of love. In RARA format, the arias a sweet largo and a bright vivace.
    Source: BL Add MS 31545
    Range: e - g#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Amo, peno, gioisco
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    "I love, I suffer, I rejoice..." Once again our happy/sad lover is back with his masochistic take on love. In RARA format with two great arias, the first with some double-stopping in the continuo, this is another delightful cantata by Mr Bononcini.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 895 (5)
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Amor, tiranno amor
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A very strict warning about trusting in the fidelity of Cupid. Tyrannous Love has been causing mischief again in this ARARA format cantata. In the copy all the da capo sections have been written out in full with varied style of repeat. Perhaps an aural copy as there are no figures...
    Source: BL Add 31518 9r
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Anche i tronchi
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    'Even the trees and rocks know of my suffering - only you ignore it'. This soprano cantata also exists in transposition for alto in a contemporary MS (also available on request). The demanding cello part especially in aria 2 reflects the virtuosity of the composer Bononcini (presumably Giovanni). A-R-A-R-A
    Sources: MÜs 3903 & BL Add MS 31547
    Range: d'-g''
    Alto: g-c''
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
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  • Ch'io ti manchi di fede
    Forces: tenor & continuo
    A large cantata edited from the Chandos collection copy in the British library. Unusual in that it's a contemporary copy from before 1720 (the date of the donation of the collection) for tenor. The transposition has provided some odd crossing of parts. Diverse aria structures (including a non-da capo aria) and interesting harmonic progressions.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Cieco Nume Tiranno spietato
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    One of Bononcini's most beautiful cantatas, the subject here deals with Love's blind cruelty. In 5 sections with no da capo arias and with a recurring theme of the title text, the last section presto assai is particularly virtuosic, though broken by emotional largo sections.
    Source: BL Add MS 31546 f74v-79r
    Range: c# - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Clori, mi sento al core
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A story about the close relationship between pain and pleasure in love. Clori is the inspiration again! In RARARARA format - yes it's a long one... Lovely text, varied arias, expressive recitatives.
    Source: BL Add MS 31547 f47r - 53r
    Range: e - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Clori, mio ben mia vita
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Clori had quite a hold over her men! Here our erstwhile suitor complains of the joy she takes in causing him pain and suffering. RARA format, the first recit being particularly expressive. Both arias in triple time with slightly off-beat word setting.
    Source: BL Add MS 31545
    Range: d# - b flat'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Da te che pasci ogn'ora
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Here our protagonist is literally wanting to die for love. Once more a rejected suit leads him to suffer so! In RARA format with a sinuous first aria Affettuoso, e cantabile and an excellent vivace to finish.
    Source: British Library copy of the 1721 edition
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Dal giorno fortunato
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    "...on that fortunate day when first I gazed into your eyes...the playful God of Love enflamed my heart for eternity..." I wonderful work in RARARA format including a beautiful affettuoso, a sprightly menuetto and a virtuosic presto to finish.
    Source: British Library Add MS 31545
    Range: c - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Dall'incurvato ferro
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The cruelty and spite of the gods to our young protagonist is the theme, leaving him in the position of offering his life for one day of happiness with his beloved.
    Excellent recitatives and some very enjoyable arias (RARARA format)
    Source: Münster HS 3915(19)
    Range: e - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Del suo fedel, e taciturno ardore
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A large and unusual piece, both in terms of the aria formats and the characters. In RARARA format, none of the arias are da capo form, the subject deals with the joys and pains of the love of Floridalbo and Fille.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 865
    Range: f - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Del Tebro in sù la riva
    Forces: alto & continuo
    On the banks of the Tiber a young girl sits and weeps at the cruelty of her beloved. A single glance from him can simultaneously revive and dash her hopes of love. In RARARA format with quite a low range. Good 'pathetic' arias and a faster 12/8 to finish.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3915(17)
    Range: F - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Dolente, e mesta vò sospirando
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Sadly sighing she longs for her lover Elpino. She searches the shepherd's hut, the fields and can't find him, finally singing a con spirito aria calling to him to come to her. In ARA format with a deliciously chromatic opening cantabile, et affettuoso. Interestingly, the continuo line drops to a BB, which would require some retuning.
    Source: 1721 edition in the British Library
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Filli, dell' tuo partire
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Deserted by cruel Filli our lover remains alone and suffering. "...remember the sighs of the one who dies for you..." RARARA format with a lovely triple time largo and two sprightly arias to follow.
    Source: BL Add MS 31545
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Già la stagion d'Amore
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Even in the season of Love, the course of true love does not run smooth! RARA format with two really lovely arias, Affettuoso e Cantabile and Vivace.
    Source: 1721 edition in the British Library.
    Range: a - c'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Io son lungi alla mia vita
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Typical of cantatas with the subject matter of distance and longing, Bononcini gives his singer a difficult time with the third note forming a major seventh over the bass. Full of plangent harmony and some lively coloratura. ARARA format.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3977
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Irene Idolo amato
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Within the classic 'partenza' cantatas this is unusual as it refers directly to going off to war and perhaps dying in battle. Some lovely linguistic turns and this RARA format cantata.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3915(16)
    Range: c# - f#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lasciami un sol momento
    Forces: alto & continuo
    "Leave me but a moment..." to wallow in self-pity of course. The sad story of the doomed love of Eurillo and Dorinda in ARA format. An excellent chromatic largo to start and a lively tempo giusto to finish.
    Source: 1721 edition in the British Library
    Range: b flat to d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lidio, schernito amante
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The agony of love unrequited returns in the text of this work. The 'delirium of Love', the 'agony of the heart'. Excellent and virtuosic recitatives link three delightful arias covering a two octave range.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3915(12)
    Range: b - b''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • O frondoso arboscello
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Another good reason not to fall in love with shepherds and shepherdesses! How cruel they are to each other. RARA format, with 'classic' pairing of affettuoso and vivace arias.
    Source: British Library copy of 1721 edition
    Range: d - a flat''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • O mesta tortorella
    Forces: alto & continuo
    The image of the turtle dove taking away sorrow and bringing contentment to the unhappy shepherdess longing for her beloved Tirsi. In RARA format with a throbbing affettuoso and a sprightly con spirito, ma non presto. Great writing for the continuo as well!
    Source: British Library copy of the 1721 edition
    Range: a - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Peno, peno e l'alma fedele
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Arcadia is in turmoil and Tirsi is really suffering with a wicked, lying beloved here. '...to hope for fidelity is torment...' A large piece with 3 recits and 3 arias finishing with a delightful minuet.
    Source: BL Add MS 31546 22v
    Range: c# - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Per sollevar quest'alma
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A slightly odd and disturbing discussion about how close our love of love is to our love of a little torment. RARA format with two sprightly arias.
    Source: British Library Add MS 31545 ff 7r - 12r
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Pur vi riveggio ancora
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    In this pastoral scene the golden shafts of Cupids darts fly from the beloved's eyes and pierce his heart. Despite the pain he decides that mercy and silence are the only solution. RARAR format, lento, allegro and the last recit becoming an arioso.
    Source: BL Add MS 31545
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Quanto peno e quanto piango
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14211 52r
    Short aria - recit - aria format but absolutely delightful! What we go through for love. Despite being cruel, unkind, like a serpent, still he loves her and yearns for her - such pain, such tears!
    This would be an excellent piece for a difficult spot in a program - total duration is only around 4 or 5 minutes
    Range: f - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Son io Barbara Donna
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14213 ff 103v - 110r
    Bononcini's setting of a very popular cantata text. A boy unhappy with his Clori again. She is a minx! Two very different arias with a lovely sobbing line in the first sospira à miei sospiri and a matter-of-fact final andante - pensa ch'un nouvo amante non ti sarà costante!Range: c - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Stanca di più penar
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Finally the boys are getting their revenge on Clori. Tired of too much suffering, she turns to the God of Love to ask for pity, but does he help her...? In RARARA format with two sprightly vivace arias following an expressive largo.
    Source: BL Add MS 31545
    Range: e - a'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sventurato Mirtillo, e che farai?
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Miserable Mirtillo is complaining of the rigours and upsets of his love for Dorinda. In RARA format, allegro and adagio arias provide pathos and brilliant coluratura. Range: d# - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Trà l'amene delitie
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Veiwing the painful side of love, Eurilla searches for her Armindo in the garden of Love, but can find not even a breath of him. In RARAR format with two curiously 'twisted' arias - affettuoso and largo and finishing with a sinuous recitative.
    Source: BL Add MS 31545
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Vanne si ruscelletto contento
    Forces: mezzo-soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 64960
    Formerly owned by Maria Ducarel, recorded (f. ii verso) as a gift to her from George Henry Lee, 3rd Earl of Lichfield, in 1768. This charming cantata uses the water flowing into the sea simile to describe longing for the beloved. In aria (Larghetto) - recit - aria (Allegro) format.
    Range: b - e'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Viver e non amar
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    "...to live and not to love..." is a crime according to our erstwhile lover here. She, however, loves Tirsi above all else and credits Cupid with her choice. In RARA format, including a beautiful largo and a delightful menuetto - short and with a small (one octave) range.
    Source: BL Add MS 31545
    Range: a' - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Carissimi, Giacomo

Continuo cantata
  • Ferma, lascia ch'io parli (Lamento di Maria Stuarda)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL MS Harley 1265
    An extensive lament for soprano and continuo with range from e to c'' (!!)
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Colonna, Giovanni Paolo (1637 - 1695)

Continuo cantata
  • Cleopatra moribonda
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    An enormous and complex work for soprano and continuo telling through her own voice the fate of Cleopatra after being betrayed and deserted by Rome. Poison, asps, vengeance, fury, it has everything. In 24(!) parts, some as short as 2 bars, Colonna has created a scene of operatic drama and intensity. The poetry is by Sigr D Donato Copeda
    Source: BL Add MS 27931 (large quarto with the Medici coat of arms)
    Range: c - b flat''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Fidalmo sfortunato
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Dramatic cantata in 2 recit and aria pair form. Fidalmo is suffering the vicissitudes of love (once again). Some lovely writing for a lowish alto. Poetry by Giacomo Lodovico Berselli
    Source: BL Add 27931
    Range: G - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Il mondo armato
    Forces: bass & continuo
    A man's struggles with love, fate and war. In many sections with Colonna's typical blurring of aria/recit boundaries. A virtuosic and stirring piece.
    Source: BL Add 27931
    Range: DD - e
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • L'Adamo
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source BL Add. 14110
    2 paired recitatives and arias.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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d'Astorga, Barone Emanuele (1680 - ?1757)

Continuo cantata
  • Cangia loco, e cangia sorte
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    In the mistaken belief that removing himself from the presence of his love will make him feel better, our young shepherd learns a hard lesson about the power of love. In ARA format, both arias in the 'pathetic' style and the second making onewonder whether Handel had heard it...?
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(2)
    Range: d# - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Cara Lidia adorata
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Using the old 'ship into harbour' story our young man tries to woo Lidia, but she's having none of it! "...Too cruel, too unfaithful..." he cries, but to what avail? In RARA format with two very 'spiky' arias, lots of chromatic twists in both arias and recitatives.
    Source: Müs Santini Sammlung HS859(14)
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Che Sisifo infelice
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Just like pushing stones up-hill, maintaining a relationship! No matter how close or how far (this is a lontananza cantata) the pain is constant. "Distance only brings pain". A wonderfully sinuous first aria and a straighforward, no-nonsense final andante. RARA format.
    Range: d - ab''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • E pur dolce, dolce amore
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Willing to die from the effects of love, but knowing of the inability of women to properly love or be faithful, our shepherd rejects the laughter of Cupid at his pains, knowing that a single glance from his beloved would give him the last laugh!
    In ARA format with a affettuoso beginning and an allegro finish sourrounding a characteristically complex recitative this is an enjoyable and challenging example of the genre.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(1)
    Range: f - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ecco perfida Irene
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    This is taking the sacrifice for love just a little too far. Despite Irene's nastiness, her coldness, her viciousness her lover still wants to just die for her. Oh, please! In RARA format with a strikingly strong first aria in cut common time and a wonderful sinuous final largo.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(15)
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Fedeltà s'è tanto bella
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A delightful cantata in ARA format. The lover bemoans Fille's inconstancy (yet again!) "I will escape Cupid's darts and Fille's glances and will live content in with my heart in freedom."
    Range: d# - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • In queste amene selve
    Forces: alto & continuo
    In the classically charming pastoral theme, in a pleasant woods love's constancy is questioned, found wanting and not forgiven - the lover awaits his beloved's return in death. Excellent arias and complex recitatives.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(5)
    Range: c - e' flat
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • In questo core
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A wonderfully piece, full of twists and turns. ARA format with a first aria of many chromatic passages and keys. "Think for a moment on my constancy and my sincere love as I suffer these torments".
    Range: eb to ab'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Non lasciarmi o bella speme
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    For once love and constancy is rewarded. Although the lover fears jealousy and distance from the beloved, 'hope springs eternal' for "...the distance between us is nothing when I know of your sweet constancy..." Some wonderfully chromatic moments in the first largo aria and the closing allegro is fully of rhythmic shifts.
    Source: Santini HS 859 (last)
    Range: e flat - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Poiche deggio partire
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A simple motto for lovers everywhere characterises this piece - "If you are constant I will also be faithful...!"
    In RARA format concluding with a lovely chromatic Siciliano (appropriate considering d'Astorga's background).
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(12)
    Range: e - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Regio fior pompa d'Aprile
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Fileno is once again in love, this time with a Filli who returns his feelings - taking pleasure in the joys of Spring. Two excellent arias, the first with some particularly piquant chromaticisms.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 859(8)
    Range: c - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Fago, Nicola (1677 - 1745)

Continuo cantata
  • Amante con poca sorte
    Forces: bass & continuo
    'Wretched and alone with my pain and torment' is the start of this RARA format cantata by the Neapolitan composer and teacher Nicola Fago. Cupid is up to his old tricks again! Full of chromatic inflections and wandering tonality and offering a wonderful emotional challenge to the performer.
    Range: EE - e
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • D'Aretusa in sul Lito
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL Add 14211 f 35 - 41v
    Fago's cantatas are an interesting bridge between the Scarlattian style and the later Neapolitan version of the genre. Here a shepherd falls prey to the 'vicious' Goddess of Love.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sapesse il core almen
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 38036 ff 71r - 74v
    Lament upon lament fills this emotional cantata in which Tirsi's absence is mourned. Three arias linked by recitative with some extremely interesting harmonic shifts. The copy is extraordinarily detailed with figures for almost every note in the continuo part.
    Range: d - f'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Se gelosia crudele
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL Add 14211 f 20r - 25v
    Here a more contemplative setting than most, the philosopher discusses how love creates joy from pain and torment.
    Range: d' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sia con me Fillide ingrata
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 38036 ff 121r - 124r
    No birds, but plenty of bees, roses and, of course, thorns in this charming cantata by the Neapolitan Nicola Fago. Smitten by ungrateful Fillide, the lover swears eternal constancy - why? In aria - recit - aria (Affettuoso) format
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sopra del bel Sebeto
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL Add 14212 f142 - 149
    Cantata a voce sola del Sgr Nicolo Fago detto Tarantino
    The sad story of Filli and the beloved mourned by a hundred sheperdesses.
    Range: d' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Trà cento belle
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL Add 14211 f 12 - 18
    Again with the suffering caused by love! A particularly plangent recitative sourrounded by two deceptively happy arias.
    Range: d' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Gasparini, Francesco (1668 - 1721)

Continuo cantata
  • Se t'ama, e se t'adora
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    If our protagonist is to be belived, being in a situation of not knowing whether the one you love returns your love is worse than burning with the 'fire of a star'. A charming cantata by a composer better known for his instrumental works. In RARA format.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3799
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Handel, George Frederick (1685-1759)

Continuo cantata
  • Sento la che ristretto
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add 29484/Autograph in BL
    Alto (first?) version of the cantata where the river likens his love of the sea to Nice love.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Hasse, Johann Adolph (1699-1783)

Continuo cantata
  • Aure liete intorno à Clori
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    In this plaint over the pain of love there is a disturbing link between the 'loving chains' and 'sweet signs' of love. ARA format with a lovely andantino to start and a dotted allegro to finish.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 2358(8)
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Chieggio ai gigle ed alle Rose
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14213 ff 23r - 27v (only source)
    Here's where you learn not to ask nature where your love is concealed! One glance and she loses her liberty and gains a lover!! Aria (cantabile) - recit - aria (un poco allegro) format.
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Credi ò caro alla speranza
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14213 ff 17r - 22v (only source)
    A totally charming work, both musically and textually - despite a little sentimentality. The text can be summarised with one of the lines from the second aria '...there may be more beautiful shepherdesses out there, but you'll never find one as faithful...' Sweet! Excellent largo to start and a stirring presto for the final aria.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lascia i fior
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    from BL MS Add 14214. Lovely throbbing affettuoso to start and an extraordinary chromatic 'B' section in the second aria. Range d - a'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lungi d'ogni amoroso
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL MS Add 14214
    An interestingly chromatic cantata with a wide range and virtuosic writing for the voice and continuo
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • O pace del mio cor
    Forces: mezzo-soprano & continuo
    O peace of my heart, where do you wander?
    A beautiful RARA format cantata with roccoco harmony, delightful vocal lines and a real charm.
    Range: c - f'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Orgoglioso fiumicello (alto)
    Forces: mezzo-soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14213 ff 28r - 36v
    Edited from an extremely clear copy in a lower key than usual (starts E major), this very popular cantata of the time (1732) exists in at least 8 copies world-wide. With a charming Sì suonar se piace opening with triplets against duplets, the cantata is in aria - recit - aria format. In the Metastasian text, it appears Clori has strayed, but her lover waits for her, knowing that the stream must return to the sea.
    Range: b - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Orgoglioso fiumicello (soprano)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL MS Add. 14229
    An very interesting cantata with obbligato keyboard accompaniment in first aria. Large range from c - b flat'' Text by Metastasio and from the number of copies extant this must have been a popular piece!
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Pur ti stringo in questo petto
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14213 ff 49v - 55v
    This was a very popular work at the time of its writing. There are no fewer than 7 copies extant, 3 of which are in the UK. The cantata starts with an aria with 'Si suonar se piace' over contrary motion figures in the continuo/upper part. Reminiscent in some ways of Orgoglioso fiumicello. The final section is a recit-cum-arioso apologising for any interruption! Very singable, very enjoyable...
    Range: b - e'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Leo, Leonardo (1694 - 1744)

Continuo cantata
  • A te vengo o prato ameno
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14213 v 154r - 157v
    This time the poor shepherd is dying for love of cruel Aminta. No matter what he does, beauty of her hair and her breast(!) force him to fall in love.
    The opening aria, probably largo has some interesting figurations which in most situations would be ornaments (32nd notes). Aria - recit - aria form.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Amo la bella, ah nò
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14220 f73r - 76v
    The lover is torn between his head and his heart with love for his 'beauty'. Who wins? Two recit and aria form with a stunning first Largo (see MIDI) and a fiery presto to finish.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Aure liete intorno à Clori
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Leo's setting of this popular text. Whilst Clori sleeps her lover guards her rest and surrounds her with flowers (whilst binding himself in the pleasant chains of love). ARA format with two sensuous arias.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 2358(7)
    Range: d - a flat''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ch'io non conosco Amore
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Not knowing Love, not knowing of his sighs, how can Irene recognise his ardor? The lovers complaints (and his happiness) of and in love. ARA format with a larghetto, e cantabile and an aria non presto. The recitative is typically intricate and the harmonic world is complex.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 2358(1)
    Range: d - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Dopo lunga dimora
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A stunning example of the genre showing Leo at the height of his powers in this field. RARA format with two complex and beautiful arias and the expected involved recitatives. The straying shepherd returns to the banks of the River Arno to find both love and infedelity in his beloved Amarillis.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 2358(2)
    Range: d - a'' flat
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Frangi Cupido i dardi
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14210 ff24r - 29r
    Once more, the lover is tired of being struck by Cupid's darts and begs him to break them - he hasn't the strength to resist any more! Cupid however has other plans and torments the lover further. 2 recits with andante and affettuoso arias.
    Range: c - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Io seguir il Nume arciero
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14210 ff18r - 23v
    The follower of the God of Love is regretting his decision and exhorts us to choose freedom over the chains of love! 2 recit and aria format with excellent contrast between the arias and interesting and involved recits.
    Range: b flat - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Non potrei benche volessi
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add SM 14112 ff 111r - 114r
    As the stream to the sea, so am I drawn to you. Thus runs the final aria and summarises this charming cantata (despite Clori's continued infedelity). Aria (Affettuoso) - recit - aria (Non presto) format.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Oh' Dio qual duolo sia
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    "What sadness to be parted from the beloved" It is a beautiful example of a lontananza cantata with stunningly sinuous writing within the ARA format. The first aria has a 3-8 B section, the recit is involved and expressive and the final aria is a wealth of beautiful music.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Oimè, che veggio?
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The pain of betrayal and the anguish it causes is the theme of the first part of this delightful cantata. The sobbing of the affettuoso aria is beautiful. The second half of the cantata, however, sees our young man in a fury! His long recit and final 'rage' aria (with its contrasting 3/2 middle section) are a piece of virtuosic writing of the first order.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Or che barbara sorte
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL MS Add 14210 ff 10r - 17r
    In classic two recit and aria format with some wicked chromatic shifts in the recits, the lover bemoans the cruelty of Fate which has parted him from his beloved.
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Pianger vidi appresso al fonte
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    With a sorrowful image of the shepherdess weeping near the fountain, hand on heart, the erstwhile lover claims that if she were with him she would have no cause to complain! ARA format, both arias wonderfully plaintive.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 2358
    Range: d - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Piansero Eurilla mia
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14210 ff 2r - 9v
    A gentle and loving story of a man abandoned in the woods (amongst flowers and verdant fields, of course)by his beloved Eurilla. Still he loves her - your blond hair, your white hands, your faithfulness(!). 2 recits (both quite large and complicated) and 2 arias (moderato and allegro with a slower(?) reflective middle section in triple time).
    Range: d - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Quel usignuolo che in quella pianta
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    As the nightingale sings of the pains of love, Filli's lover swears his devotion to her and begs her to ignore all the lies and jealousies that plague young love. ARA format, the first a complex and virtuosic larghetto, e cantabile, the last marked non presto
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 2358
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • S'io credessi il cor costante
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    'If' is, of course, the important word in this cantata. "If I belived in a faithful heart..." A discussion of the pain caused by loving too much. ARA format, both arias excellent and sinuous.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 2358(3)
    Range: d# - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sotto l'ombra d'un faggio fermò l'incerto passo
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14210 ff 35v - 41v
    The young man, perhaps unlucky and unhappy Tirsi, finds himself once more beneath the shade of a beech tree lamenting the cruelty of his beloved Dorinda. 2 recit and aria form with some stylish vocal passage work in both arias.
    Range: d# - g#''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Torno à voi piante amorose
    Forces: mezzo-soprano & continuo
    Variously ascribed to Mancini, Porpora and Leo, with its appearance more than once in collections of Leo's works we have leant towards this choice. Sources used include BL Add MSS 29484 and 14210. The text paints a pastoral picture of the wounded lover returning to the fields and flowers for comfort.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Lotti, Antonio (1666 - 1740)

Continuo cantata
  • Filli crudel spietata filli
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL Add 14212 ff 50 - 55
    Some very good, dramatic recitative. The whole is quite Scarlattian in form, with the Venetian predilection for a good melody line.
    Filli has been at it again and Fileno is really upset!
    Range: d#' - g#''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Rendi al mio cor la pace
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source:
    The shepherd rails against love and in particular Dorinda. If you do not turn your eyes on me I shall die, without love and without faith. Excellent dotted Largo to start and an arpeggiated presto to end.
    Range: a - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Mancini, Francesco (1672 - 1737)

Continuo cantata
  • Agitato mio pensiero
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 64960 Formerly owned by Maria Ducarel, recorded (f. ii verso) as a gift to her from George Henry Lee, 3rd Earl of Lichfield, in 1768.
    Here Amor is stirring the heart and throughts of an erstwhile lover. With an excellent opening allegro and concluding with a slightly 'crooked' andante this is a jolly sing through one of the genre's typical subjects.
    Range: a - c'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ahi che moro e ristoro
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14211 ff 132r - 139v
    In aria-recit-aria-recit-aria form with some very odd use of shifting tonality the lover bemoans the cruelty of Amore.
    Range: e' - g#''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Allor ch'il dio di Delo
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The God of Delos, Apollo comes to earth and sports with the goddess Flora - I think however that her beauty wins the day! In RARARA format with some lovely recitative and a really satisfying text.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 865(10)
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Allor che ad' altro oggetto
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The fire and pains of jealousy and unrequited love fan our protagonist's ardour in this lovely cantata. In RARA format, the first aria full of unexpected chromaticism, the second an excellent 'walking bass'.
    Source: Münster HS 2459(6)
    Range: f - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Alpestre, Monte e Solitaria Selva
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14213 124v - 131v
    Oh, the pain that Love causes, and once again it's Nice! Here the lover would willingly shed every last drop of blood to get Nice back. Hello?!!? Two recit and aria format, both arias slow, in the (appropriately) pathetic style.
    Range: a - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ama Tigre crudel
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Tigers love, lions burn with love, the seas love the mountains and rivers, the woods love the forests, why doesn't this girl love him? In RARA format (andante & allegro).
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 2461
    Range: G - b'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Arse lunga staggione del bel volto
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL Add 14211 f 150 - 156
    A curiously formed cantata beginning with secco recitative which becomes 'a tempo' then moves into an aria and finished with a minuet.
    It's inconstant Fille and constant Fileno again, with Fileno venting his sadness.
    Range: d#' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Assai più di quel che sei
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    In love with Filli yet again and boy does Filli have unbeatable charms. "...Not another mouth...not another lover...unless they are more faithful than you..." ARARA format with excellent variation between the arias and the customarily complex recitatives.
    Source: Münster Santini Collection HS 864(15)
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Cara qual'or mi giri
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Unrequited love and self-sacrifice are the themes of this restrained and beautiful cantata. Being ignored by his beloved, the protagonist offers his life for just one glance. In RARA format.
    Range: a - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Cieli ditemi come potrò
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Unrequited love for Fileno rears its ugly head again in this large and beautiful cantata. "Cruel Destiny may kill the lover, but never the love". In RARARA format with two affettuoso arias, the second having a unusual written link back to the DS and one allegro.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 2459(13) WriM. 35
    Range: b flat - d' flat
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Clori non ti lagnar
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14211 ff 3r - 10v
    A truly lovely cantata in five movements with Mancini's typical flexible attitude to recitative/arioso/aria combinations.
    A later performer, perhaps even the copyist, has made the note 'cantata bona di partenza' and has personalised a version of the text changing the lovers' names (Clori and Lillo) to Cara and me.
    Range: d' - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Clori quant'io t'amai
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    At las Clori is being deserted by her beloved. Curiously, however, she retains her hold over him as he bemoans the cruelty of Fate for separating them. In RARARAR format with the central aria a complicated 3/4 - 6/8 and 4/4.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 2459
    Range: e - b''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Da che lungi n'andò
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 64960 Formerly owned by Maria Ducarel, recorded (f. ii verso) as a gift to her from George Henry Lee, 3rd Earl of Lichfield, in 1768.
    Oh, Lidio is being difficult again and causing heartache. His loving lady wishes rather for death than his absence. Finally, in the last aria, he reappears and is likened to the sun at the break of day banishing sadness. Awww...
    Double recit-aria format.
    Range: d - a'' flat
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Dimmi ingrata incostante
    Forces: alto & continuo
    A marvellous work by Mancini in RARA format - the recitatives are extensive and harmonically complex. The subject deals with infidelity and starts with the (female) protagonist railing at Lidio, calling him unfaithful, liar etc. The last aria ends, however, with the decision to match his betrayal with her own!
    Source: Münster HS 2459(12)
    Range: a - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • E come, e come, O Dio?
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 64960 Formerly owned by Maria Ducarel, recorded (f. ii verso) as a gift to her from George Henry Lee, 3rd Earl of Lichfield, in 1768.
    With a textual opening classic to the genre the protagonist asks God how he/she can live through the bitter torments of being parted from his/her beloved. The theme of jealousy caused by separation in a musical setting. Dramtic and vivid word-painting characterise the recitatives of this cantata together with two splendid arias Largo and a 12/8 à tempo giusto.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • E dove mail l'Inferno
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    "Hell has never had such pain as the pain that love for you causes me - you know of it but do nothing to lessen it", he sings. Of course Cupid is to blame! Some wonderful writing in a large cantata in RARARA format, excellent text to work with both in aria and recitative.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 865(9) [WriM. 71]
    Range: b - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Frà le morbide piume
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14213 ff 132r - 135r
    An exciting piece from a very clear copy (a welcome rarity in Mancini's case!) Among the soft feathers the lover rests his soul and dreams of wicked spiteful Clori again! Why do they keep coming back for more? 2 recit and 2 aria (allegretto and allegro) format
    Range: b flat - e' flat
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Frà le pene tiranne
    Forces: alto & continuo
    The treachery of Cupid is once the again a hot topic in this RARA format cantata. With two excellent arias which challenge both continuo and singer, this is an interesting addition to our catalogue.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 864(13)
    Range: a - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Già degl'astri il monarca
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL Add 14211 f 42 - 50v
    Once again an interesting construction for this extensive cantata. Recit, aria, recit, aria, recit, minuet, recit which becomes arioso. Some very beautiful writing and moods that swing from Adone's lament at Clori's bad behaviour to arias about finding joy only in the beloved's face.
    Range: c#' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Già vicina e quell' hora
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A substantial work with three well-developed arias and complex recitatives. Tirsi remains as his love departs whilst questioning why she must leave and whether absence will ease her love.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 861(4)
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Il Pianetta maggiore
    Forces: alto & continuo
    A very short and to the point cantata in RARA format. The power of Cupid found in the beloved's eyes.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 860(16)
    Range: b - c#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • L'occhio el labro del mio bene
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14211 141r - 148v
    Not one of his best, but an interesting piece, particularly the use of harmony in the last aria (see MIDI) and the extraordinary way he plays with the text.
    Range: e' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lacrime sventurate
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    "...How the tears flowing from my heart show my pain..." RARA format, both in triple time, the first a rather lovely Siciliano. The opening recit is also wonderfully chromatic, capturing the image of the flowing tears.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 2459(3)
    Range: d# - g#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lidia tu non me'l credi
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A lovely example of the genre, RARA format with, once again from this manuscript, a particularly complex first aria. The subject: "Leave my heart in peace, speak not of love to me" Now, is that a way to go about Arcadian love?
    Source: Müs HS 2459(9)
    Range: f# - b'' (!)
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lumi cari del mio bel sole
    Forces: alto & continuo
    From Santini MS 2459 (16), this delightful cantata has some curiously chromatic twists, particularly in the second aria (listen to preview). "A single glance from your eyes burns my heart, but the certainty of my death can only bring you glory!"
    In ARA format
    Range: b - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Occhi vezzosi e belli
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A delightful cantata from Münster MS Hs 865 (14) in which beautiful eyes make you a prisoner of Love. In RARA format with some delightful chromaticisms and written out return ornament to the da capo.
    Range: d - g#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Pecorelle correte a quel fonte
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A charming pastoral cantata with the singer likening his sheep running after water to the lover searching for his beloved. Two delightful arias surround a chromatic recitative. Throughout the piece there are many cromatic twists and turns.
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Queste vermiglie note
    Forces: alto & continuo
    An extraordinarily emotional work dealing with the suicide of the distant lover. "These crimson notes, notes which I write to you from opened veins..." Complex recitatives set the scene for two arias largo and affettuoso. Also claimed by some as the work of Bononcini.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 2459(17)
    Range: a - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Son cosi cosi geloso
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 38036 ff 89r - 94r
    A cantata dedicated to the little green demon of jealousy! Three excellent arias, particularly the first and some extensive and carefully crafted recitative.
    From a collection dated 1706, at least know the latest date it could have been written!
    Range: d' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Tinte à note di sangue
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14220 ff 18r - 21v
    A complex piece with an excellent vari-tempo final aria. The text can be summed up in two lines from the first recit: Written in blood, these tormented words my betrayed heart sends to you...Think, think how much I have loved you, know that you are not mine, and weep for the pity of my plight
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Un amante ama due belle
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A charming cantata filled with indecision and containing one of Mancini's most beautifula arias (see MIDI). A young man loves both Cintia and Irene and really doesn't know what to do - can you help? RARA format.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3904(5)
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Vaghe pendici amene
    Forces: alto & continuo
    This is a lovely example of the genre with two well-crafted recitatives and two lovely arias. Some challenging continuo writing as well. Eurilla is the source of conszternation this time and the lives of 'Ninfe e Pastore' never run smooth. Stunning word-painting.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Marcello, Benedetto

Continuo cantata
  • Da voi parto amati rai
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Three part aria from an MS in the British Library containing much Pepusch, Bononcini and Marcello among others. In this manuscript the composer is said to be Porpora however a proven copy in the I-Nc collection indicates this is actually by Marcello. It's a delightful piece as usual.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lontananza e gelosia
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    very attractive cantata from BL MS Add 14215 which expounds the plight of the lover of Dorinda (la bella) and has a great gasping aria to end.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Piante Amiche Ombre Cara
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source BL Add 14222
    2 recits and arias with particularly fine obbligato continuo line in first aria.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Pepusch, Johann Christoph (1667 - 1752)

Continuo cantata
  • Alexis
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Cantata II from Pepusch's 'Six English Cantatas' of 1710. The second of only two works for soprano and continuo only in this collection.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Alexis - See from the silent grove (ALTO)
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Perhaps Pepusch's most famous English cantata (at least the most widely copied and circulated). Alexis calls on Musick to ease love's pain.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Alexis - See from the silent grove (SOPRANO - C)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Perhaps Pepusch's most famous English cantata (at least the most widely copied and circulated). Alexis calls on Musick to ease love's pain and Apollo points out that Musick is the voice of Love! Here in the soprano key.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Fair Caelia Love Pretended (The Reconciliation)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The second part of the pair of cantatas by Pepusch from "xii Cantatas in English for a Voice and a Thorough Bass for the Harpsichord being a curious Collection of the Compositions of several Authors" which was printed in 1723. It covers Caelia's capitulation...
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • On fam'd Arcadia's Flowry plains
    Forces: soprano, oboe & continuo
    From "xii Cantatas in English for a Voice and a Thorough Bass for the Harpsichord being a curious Collection of the Compositions of several Authors" which was printed in 1723. This is the first of two 'linked' cantatas which concludes with 'The Reconciliation' or 'Fair Celia Love pretended'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • The God of Love has lost his Bow
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A charming pastoral cantata from the 1723 collection of 12 English Cantatas. Cupid searches for the Goddess of Love and warns the Shepherds not to expect too much sweetness from Love himself.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • The Island of Beauty (ALTO)
    Forces: alto & continuo
    From Pepusch's English cantatas, the Island of Beauty has a text reminiscent of 'Fairest Isle' - praise of Britain as 'the fairest Island in the sea' and 'Venus and her train of loves will with happier Britain stay'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • The Island of Beauty (SOPRANO - orig)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Cantata I from Pepusch's 'Six English Cantatas' of 1710. One of only two works for soprano and continuo only.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Pistocchi, Francesco Antonio (1659 - 1726)

Continuo cantata
  • Chiari fonti bei fiori
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Here the young lover compares Eurilla to the seasons (Spring is the decision) to the beautiful vales, rivers, mountains, streams etc. She always wins! With a lovely Largo first aria and a rousing 12/8 allegro to finish, this is the 18th century singer/songwriter in fine form.
    Range: e - g'
    Source: Santini HS 859
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Tortorella imprigionata
    Forces: alto & continuo
    The image of the caged bird is often used to portray joy at being enchained by love and here we have the lover of Irene comparing himself to the imprisoned dove giving up all hope of escape other than by his death. Some lovely 'cooing' and some spectacular recitative in this ARA format cantata. The second aria has a 'si suona' accompaniment in part.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 861
    Range: G - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Porpora, Nicola Antonio (b Naples 1686; d. Naples 1768)

Continuo cantata
  • Abbandonata e sola
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Here Porpora is at the height both of his recitative and 'pathetic' writing with a stunning first aria, but also maintains the fieriness of his allegro writing in the last aria (MIDI).
    This pastoral cantata is all about 'separation angst' and the suffering when abandoned by one's love - in this case Fileno (again).
    Source: Münster Santini Hs 3313 (Nr. 17)
    Range: c - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Alla caccia dell'alme
    Forces: alto & continuo
    A hunting cantata, as virtuosic as the Vivaldi version and with even better recitatives! ARA format, here Clori is the huntress who ensnares men with her charms, too late our lover discovers he is already caught, but he is "...not the first and not alone."
    Range: a - e
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Amor crudele Amore
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14,215 ff 68r - 71v
    Recit - aria - recit - aria form with two beautifully contrasting arias. The shepherd rails against Amor and prays for the love of his shepherdess.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Celinda, Oh Dio Celinda
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Celinda has gone missing, and her lover sings of her beauty, his searching and his hope of her return. Great recits, a beautiful Siciliano and a virtuosic allegro to finish.
    Source: Münster Santini HS 3313(1)
    Range: d - f#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Cieco Dio fors'io quel fiore
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Blind Cupid is causing grief again for our young lover and inspires this paean. A 'classic' aria (Amoroso) - recit - aria (Allegro) format with some fascinating chromatic twists and turns.
    Source: Münster Santini Hs 3313 (Nr. 14)
    Range: e - f#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Cinto il cor d'aspre catene
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    'The Joys of Love are greater than any freedom' must be the moral of this pastoral cantata. Trapped in the chains of love, the young man still longs for his Fille, not for freedom!
    In simple ARA format with a very beautiful pair of arias.
    Source: Münster Santini HS 3313 (Nr. 19)
    Range: d - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Clori, vezzosa Clori
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Separation angst is the theme again in this pastoral cantata. Apart from Clori, her lover bewails his fate through woods, mountains and streams (they always seem to walk so far!). RARA format, the first aria full of wonderful suspensions and a slowly agitated bass line, the second with more agitation in 12/8
    Source: Münster Santini HS 3313(3)
    Range: e flat - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Col tuo dolce mormorio
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Early cantata in aria-recit-aria format. Recit has very adventurous harmonic progressions and first aria is very beautiful Lento, last is virtuosic
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Cora amante di perchè
    Forces: mezzo-soprano & continuo
    One of three aria-recit-aria cantatas in BL MS Add 29484, simple but very attractive. Subject: Cora's unwillingness to love
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • D'Amor la bella pace
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source BL Add 14122
    Virtuosic cantata for alto and continuo - the last aria is particularly fiendish. Better known as a soprano cantata, this contemporary copy demonstrates the habit of transposing for different voices.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • D'amore il primo dardo
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Cantata Op 1, no. 1
    Text by Metastasio, concerning the power of Amore to pierce the heart with the very first dart. Affettuoso - recit - Allegro (both arias with 'Si sona' ritornelli)
    Range: f' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Dal povero mio cor
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Cantata Op. 1, no. 12
    This is extremely virtuosic and a fitting end to the collection. 2 recit/aria format with an extremely interesting second recit (quasi accompagnato) and final aria - listen to the MIDI.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Dalle regia di Flora
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14210
    A delightful testament to the beauty of Flora, both physical and 'spiritually'. Comparisons to flowers, the fields, the dawn and, for once, nothing bitter! 2 recits and arias, with the final aria in the classic Porpora virtuosic style (MIDI preview).
    Range: d - f''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Datti pace se puoi
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: alto version in BL Add MS 14210 ff 120r - 127r
    The unhappy shepherd is once agian longing for his distant love. He cannot believe that she could be untrue. Ah... 2 recits and 2 arias format.
    Range: b - e'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Deh, lasciatemi in pace
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source BL Add 14215
    Virtuosic cantata for alto and continuo in three recitatives and arias (see performances at the Porpora Project)
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Di vaga fera le bell'orme
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A substantial work in RARA form. The first recit becomes and arioso, the arias are both beautiful and virtuosic, the recitatives live up to expectation of painting a vivid picture of the story: this time of the bonds of love. "Were I to leave Clori I would become incapable of loving again..."
    Source: Münster Santini HS 3313
    Range: c# - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Dice che m'ami
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14214 ff 78v - 85v (only source)
    In aria-recit-aria form, both arias without tempo indication, but probably a tempo giusto and lento or affettuoso. As usual, the recitative is beautifully crafted, accurately reflecting the rhythm of the language.
    The text concerns love as an allegory of the life of a sailor on rough seas.
    Range: d - a'' flat
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Dolce canto l'Augellino
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    They never learn not to trust Cupid! Using the metaphor of a bird losing its freedom through falling in love with a beautiful face, the poet weaves an enchanting cantata text which Porpora sets using the ARA format. Both arias in minor keys but clearly portraying the bird in figurations reminiscent of bird call.
    Source: Münster Santini 3313 (6)
    Range: d - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ecco l'infausto lido
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source BL Add 14122
    Virtuosic cantata for alto and continuo in two recitatives and arias
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Era il tempo che in cielo
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    In the heat of the sun the flowers and plants wilt, as does Eurilla in her longing for Tirsi. A lovely example of the genre with a touching Adagio as the first aria and a fiery allegro as the second. In RARA format with Porpora's tradiationally complex recitative writing and very effective melodic writing in the arias. A real delight!
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Farfalletta semplicetta
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Like a butterfly attracted to the light, the lover is attracted to another and burns his wings. Looking to Amor for help brings no rescue!
    A beautiful cantata in ARA form.
    Sources: GB-Lbl Add MS 14215 ff 13r - 16v & D MÜs: SANT Hs 3313 (Nr. 4)
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Fille se fiera sorte
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Here the lover expresses the feelings that separation from Fille would bring; the slow footstep, the longing, the yearning. It's a lovely sing too! RARA format with well-balanced andante then allegro arias.
    Source: Münster Santini HS 859 (9)
    Range: c - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Fra le più folte piante
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14210
    In one of Porpora's more dramatically contrasting cantatas, the young lover is exhorted to deal with his rage by railing at the heavens, giving rise to a wonderful aria 'Contro me il Ciel spietato'. We find out it's a girl again in the next recitative and the cantata finishes with the young man promising to die for his love.
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Già la notte s'avvicina (La Pesca)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Cantata Op. 1, no. 6
    Another of Metastasio's famous cantata texts - as night draws in the lover calls Nice to take in the air, compares her to Teti, Galatea, Glauce and Dori - nothing quite like love!
    Adagio - Recit - Allegretto, all beautiful.
    Range: e' - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Idolo del mio core
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Another from the Naples MS 34.6.25. Here our lover calls "Tell me where you are! Show me where the one I adore is gone!" In RARA format, with surprisingly brief recitatives, the second aria Largo has some delightful harmonic shifts. It is intersting to note that the continuo figures in this (only) copy are only written where the vocal part does not appear.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Idolotrata e cinta
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL MS Add 14225
    The protagonist laments the cruelty of unrequited love. The last aria is one of the finest examples of a 'bird song' aria that I have seen (check previews)
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Il Narciso amo la rosa
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    What could be clearer than this lovely flower simile? Narcissus loves Rose and Violet is dull! ARA format with very pretty arias.
    Source: Münster Santini 859 (3)
    Range: f - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Io non amo altro che voi
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Starting appropriately with an amoroso aria this is a beautiful ARA format work. It is an homage to the beauty and power of the eyes in love.
    Source: Münster Santini HS 3313(15)
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • La viola che languiva
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    source BL MS Add 14229
    lovely pastoral image of a flower languishing on the banks of a river (and of course the shepherd lover)
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lontananza non risana
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    As with all lontananza cantatas, this is filled with yearning. "...the further my beloved is, the greater my sadness..." etc. A stunning, chromatic Siciliano opens the ARA format with a sprightly allegro to finish.
    Source: Münster Santini HS 859 (10)
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lucciolette andate à Fille
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL MS Add 14214
    This is an extremey enchanting cantata in aria-recit-aria form. The poor boy is totally in love but the beloved is having none of it. Retribution and hatred are the only alternatives. The opening matter of fact aria leads to an extraordinary recitative and final minuet.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lungi dal suo Fileno
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL MS Add 14225
    Unrequited love in a complex harmonic world! The tale of Eurilla and Fileno told from the female point of view. First aria has operatic Adagio with fermate opening, reminiscent of many opening arias for the 'primo uomo' in Porpora's operas
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Mentre canta l'augelletto
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL MS Add 14214.
    The tale of love, Cupid's darts and a nightingale!
    The chromaticism of the recit and second aria are something to be believed, as is the simplicity of the bird song alluded to in the first aria.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Mentre doglioso un giorno
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source BL MS ADD 14215
    Virtuosic alto cantata with an outstanding cello part in the second aria. 2 recit and aria format.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Nel mio sonno almen (Il sogno)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Cantata Op. 1, no. 2
    Text by Metastasio in which the lover dreams of his beloved taking away all sadness
    Lento - Recit (spectacular) - Andantino
    Range: e' - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ninfe e Pastor che al bel sebeto in riva
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14210
    The sad tale of the death of Tirsi and Fille's desire to die as well - after the aria of course! 2 recit and aria format, the last being virtuosic again.
    Range: d - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ninfe, Pastori udite
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14214 ff 170v - 177v (only source)
    In recit - aria - recit - aria form with some interesting recitative-like passages in the b section of the second aria. As usual the setting of the recitatives is particularly clearly defined. The text is in the first person, a shepherdess railing against the unfaithful Tirsi.
    Range: b - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Non hò vita hò viva morte
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    To be separated from the beloved is a fate worse than death. In ARA format, the first aria a 'pathetic' largo and the last, portraying the sailor on rough seas, a wonderful allegro
    Source: Münster Santini HS 3313 (11)
    Range: e - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Non sò come resisto
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Main sources: BL Add 14214 100r 106v & Add MS 14210 81v - 88v
    The lover dears with the loss of the beloved in this two recit and aria cantata. The first aria is very beautiful the second rather virtuosic for both singer and continuo cellist.
    Range: c' - f''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ò come à tempo qui t'incontro
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: 2 copies in the British Library
    This is not a cantata to win friends and influence people within the 'feminist movement'. The final (strangely written) aria uses the text: You are a woman, so I expect you to be inconstant and unfaithful, but I forgive you; I am a man and will fall in love with other women, just enjoy it!. It's either a very modern marriage or slightly insulting, you decide. In two recit and aria format, the arias both largo and without ritornelli.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ò Pastori io v'avviso
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL MS Add 14225.
    A charming pastoral cantata with a text advising Shepherds to stay away from beautiful shepherdesses! The last aria has a written out upper part for the continuo, possibly to be played on a violin or flute.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Occhi belli, occhi vaghi
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Besotted! The lover compares his beloved's eyes to the stars under the influence of Cupid and his bow and arrows. "Joy and torment are gifts of the God of Love". In RARA format, the first aria a twisting larghetto the last a joyous allegro
    Source: Münster Santini HS 3313(7)
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Oh Dio, che non è vero
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Cantata Op. 1, no. 11
    Metastasian text in which the lover bemoans the absence of the beloved.
    A beautiful lento as the first aria, quite exquisite.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Oh se fosse il mio core
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Cantata Op. 1, no. 10
    Text by Metastasio in which the lover pleads for the chance to prove his love.
    A beautiful affettuoso aria and a mad allegro to finish.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ombre amiche, ombre care
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    With a text almost identical to the Marcello cantata Piante amiche, ombre care this is a vivid setting of a pastoral text. Protected by the friendly shadows the lover promises eternal fidelity. RARA format, the first aria allegro the second a lovely Siciliano
    Source: Münster Santini 3313(8)
    Range: d# - g#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Or che una nube ingrata
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Cantata Op. 1, no. 8
    Source: British Library copy of the 1735 edition.
    Text by Metastasio, this time concerning a young man and what appears to be a wavering love for Clizia AND Irene!
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ove mormora il rio
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Using the simile of the suffering nightingale singing for his love, our valiant shepherd pines for Clori in this RARA format cantata. The first aria allegro paints a wonderful picture of the singing nightingale and the last, complicated aria shows the turmoil of the lover.
    Source: Münster Santini Hs 3313 (Nr. 16)
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Pastorelle che piangete
    Forces: mezzo-soprano & continuo
    Source: Source: BL Add 14,214 ff 64v - 70v (only source)
    Remarkable piece in aria - recit - aria format, text (possibly by Metastasio) dealing with how much the lover is prepared to give up for his beloved Irene. The writing is sinuous and very chromatic.
    Range: d' - f''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Per temprare l'ardenti faville
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The flame of love's ardour is mentioned many times in this cantata text! in ARA format starting with a chromatic largo and finishing with what can only be described as a fiery allegro
    Source: Münster Santini HS 3313 (9)
    Range: e flat - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Perchè mai si bruna siete
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A simple yet lovely example of the genre with ARA format, the first and charming Largo and the second a challenging Allegro. Love is cruel again and our protagonist is being killed by the beuty of his beloved's eyes.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Povero fior di Clizia
    Forces: alto & continuo
    2 recit and aria format. Tells of 'Love's longing'. First aria (Largo) particularly beautiful.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Quando penso esser disciolto
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Well aware of the influence of Cupid, our lover strives to protect himself and his beloved from the darts of the God of Love. In ARA format with a beautiful 'pathetic' aria to start.
    Source: Münster Santini HS 3313 (12)
    Range: e - g#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Quanto s'inganna
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Is distance the cause or the cure of our lover's broken heart. He calls for medication, but what can help him? Clori is up to her old tricks again - you've got to feel sorry for her men, surely?
    RARA format with two charming arias.
    Range: c - e'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Questa dunque è la selve
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Sources: BL Add 14214 and Add 14225
    Aminta and Nice in a story of love denied and a woman spurned. 7 copies are known in both alto and soprano keys so it must have been a popular piece. An extensive work in recit - aria - recit - aria form.
    Range: b - e'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Queste che miri ò Nice
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Cantata Op. 1, no. 4
    Text by Metastasio - the pastoral delights of love summed up in the second aria with the claim of love and never finding greater happiness (having filled the first aria with the sadness of being in love).
    Recit - Affettuoso - Recit - Allegro
    Range: f' - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Questo e il platano frondoso
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    From BL Add 14225.
    Aria - recit - aria structure with beautiful chromatic inflections and virtuosic last movement.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Rendimi ò bella Irene il cor
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14210 ff 96v - 103r (only source)
    Irene's lover is showing great self restraint and, possibly, an inability to see what is actually happening with his beautiful girlfriend! 2 recits and 2 arias (lovely sighing larghetto and a twisting allegro).
    Range: e - g#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Scrivo in te l'amato nome (Il Nome)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Cantata Op. 1, no. 5
    One of Metastasio's most famous cantata texts - the story of Clori and Filomena.
    Adagio - Recit - Allegretto
    Range: e' - b flat''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Se la rosa fresca, e bella
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14210 ff142v - 149r
    A lovely cantata with a somewhat 'early' feeling to it. The recitative structure is as complicated as ever, but the arias are a little simpler than the later works. The story revolves around the attraction of bees to roses, in this case the rose is Irene and the bee is her erstwhile lover.
    Range: e - f#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Se vuoi sapir perchè
    Forces: mezzo-soprano & continuo
    One of three aria-recit-aria cantatas in BL MS Add 29484, simple but very attractive. As with all three the range is troublesome and would suit a lowish soprano or highish alto. Subject: 'If you want to know why I no longer have a heart in my breast, ask the God of Love'.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sente pur, che Maggio è nato
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    As May is born and Summer begins everyone except Tirsi is feeling the 'swelling of love'. The shepherdess in love with Tirsi is obviously not happy about this. The two arias encompass very different moods, the first, a happy allegro (MIDI) is bright and hopeful, the latter a slow, non da capo larghetto places the blame for unrequited love fairly on the shoulders of Amor.
    Source: Münster Santini Hs 3313 (Nr. 18)
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sento una Tortorella
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    As a dove searching for its mate, the lover cries for his beloved in this beautiful example of the genre. In ARA format with some great bird calls.
    Source: Münster Santini 3313 (5)
    Range: e - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Siedi Amarilli mia
    Forces: soprano/alto & continuo
    2 recit and aria format, first aria accompagnato then secco. The story of Amarilli and Fileno and love's vicissitudes. First aria (largo) is very beautful. Source BL Add 14227 in hand of anonymous copyist. Catalogued in soprano key in Naples Conservatorio.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Son tante e tante sono
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    She is the light of lights, the love of loves, oh could one find a more perfect woman? It's good old Clori again being praised to the heavens. In RARA format with a spiky largo and a thrilling allegro.
    Source: Münster Santini 3313 (10)
    Range: d - g#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sorge la bella Aurora
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The dawn rises and makes the fields golden and the flowers happy...the birds sing and all is right with the world! This is a lovel ARA format cantata from a copy in the Naples Conservatorio library. A beautiful Andante or Affettuoso begins it and the final aria is a fast and often virtuosic Allegro. The two arias separated by a typically complex Porpora recitative.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sotto l'ombra d'un faggio
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Principal source BL MS Add 14229
    extremely chromatic 2 recit and aria format (beneath the shade of a beech tree)
    Subject: Tirsi and Clori and the vicissitudes of love
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Speranza del mio cor
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source BL Add 14122
    Virtuosic cantata for alto and continuo in two recitatives and arias
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sù la cime d'un monte
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14215 (only source)
    Beautifully crafted cantata in a very good and detailed copy. Tirsi is 'dolente' and mesto' yet again, this time starting at the top of a mountain.
    Here he feels all the pain that love for Eurilla is causing. The first aria, Lento is a perfect evocation of this emotion.
    Range: e flat' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sù la fiorita sponda
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14214 ff 107v - 114v (only source)
    On the flowery banks of the bubbling brook sits the vague Colinette enjoying the theatre of flowers and herbs in a text possibly by Metastasio. She does a lot of sighing and causes drooping (!). Two recit and aria form with an extraordinary first aria full of 32nd notes and a fiery last aria.
    Range: c' - d''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • T'intendo si mio cor
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14210 ff 136v - 141r/Add MS 14157 ff 1v - 5v
    A popular piece at the time, this cantata exists in MSS in libraries from the US to the UK and Italy. The text is based on Amor timido or Timid Cupid and may be by Metastasio. Aria (Adagio) - recit aria (Allegro) format, short but very sweet!
    Range: f - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ti piacque non è vero
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Oh, the pain of unrequited love fills our protagonist in this simple but effective piece. In ARA format, both arias allegro
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3319 (only source)
    Range: a - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Tirsi chiamare a Nome
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Cantata Op. 1, no. 3
    Text by Metastasio in which poor Tirsi suffers the pangs of love again!
    Recit - Affettuoso - Recit - Allegro (fiery)
    Range: d' - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Tocca à voi ò mie pupille
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Another example of the futility of asking Love for help. In ARA format with a smooth 'pathetic' style opening and an allegro finish.
    Source: Münster, Santini HS 3313 (13) Also attributed to Mancini in HS 2459 in a transcription for alto a 5th lower.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Tu ten vai così festoso
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL MS Add 14214 146v - 152v
    A popular cantata at the time of its composition, there are no fewer than 7 copies in collections from Italy to Scandinavia. An intensely chromatic recitative is surrounded by a beautifully crafted affettuoso aria and a quirky allegro/tempo giusto. Once again Clori is being difficult...
    Range: e - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Vedi mio core amante
    Forces: soprano/alto & continuo
    A further copy of a work thought only to exist in Italy and Scotland. This copy, written in alto clef is still quite high (to e) and in classic recit-aria-recit-aria form, the first aria 'affettuoso' the second 'presto'. Available in high and low keys.
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Veggo la selva e il monte
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Cantata Op. 1, no. 7
    Source: British Library copy of the 1735 edition.
    Virtuosic cantata for alto and continuo in two recitatives and arias.
    Second aria is extraordinary!
    Text by Metastasio
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Vidi la navicella
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14214 ff139v - 145v (only source)
    Slightly careless copy of a cantata with some tremendous invention. Aria - recit - aria form, the text deals with a lovely simile of a boat on rough seas longing for the shore being like the treacherous waters of love.
    Range: a - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Return to composer listing

Porsile, Giuseppe (1680 - 1750)

Continuo cantata
  • Clori vezzosa, e bella
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source BL Add 14226 f 20r - 23v
    Beautifully crafted arias with very sensible recitatives discuss an interesting excuse for infedelity. "I want to love you, but cruel jealousy makes me stray!"
    Range: e' - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Sarri(Sarro), Domenico Natale (1679 - 1744)

Continuo cantata
  • Bella maga di gnido
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 38036 ff 12v - 16v
    This is from a British Library manuscript with the inscription 'CANTATE de diversi gran Maestri', dated 1706 which contains cantatas by Legnani, Bencini, Sarri, Lotti, Caldara, Buononcini, Conti, Torri, Monarii, Ariosti, Fago, Mancini, Tosi, Martini, Scarlatti, and Albinoni. It contains a wealth of information about the continuo figures used as the copyist has taken a great deal of care with them.
    The text concerns Goddess of Love's ability to enchant those who behold her (Gnido is likely to be the ancient Greek city of Knidos, now in Turkey, where there was a temple to Venus).
    Range: e' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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Scarlatti, Alessandro (born Palermo, 2 May 1660; died Naples, 22 October 1725)

Continuo cantata
  • Agitato mio core
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Dated on the first page as 'in Albano 1704'. Despite Eurilla's promise of fidelity her erstwhile beloved is nervous (small wonder with her track history) and his heart is all 'a-flutter'. RARA format with a particularly interesting format for the first aria Quietati.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 3907(1)
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Amo, e negar nol posso
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Dated on the first page as 'Decembre 1704'. A large work with three recits and arias, two of the arias being particularly exciting and the third a lovely Siciliano. The subject deals with the power of love, once again.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 3907(4) There is also a possible attribution to Sarro
    Range: d - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Andate o miei sospiri
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    "Go, oh my sighs, to Irene's heart, May it know of my pains by you..." An intensely chromatic work with two versions of the final aria. In most sources dated 10 March, 1712 and was composed in response to a cantata by Francesco Gasparini based on the same text. The second version of the final aria aria here is from a later version with the subtitle: con idea inumana, in regolato cromatico, ma non è per ogni professore – the final aria itself is inscribed with the words: Altr'aria capriccio dell' Autore
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: Kate Eckersley & James Sanderson
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  • Bei Prati, freschi rivi
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A beautiful cantata showing Scarlatti in great inventive mode. The theme is of love lost or gone away: death would be preferable, but even after death he is sure still to long for her. He calls Nature to witness his suffering, but only the merest echo comes back as a reply. RARA format, both arias complicated and chromatic and the recitatives full of harmonic twists and turns.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3915(3)
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Bella, bella quanto crudel
    Forces: mezzo-soprano & continuo
    Despite appalling treatment, Irene's lover remains constant and wants more (remind you of anyone?) Complex recits and some exciting chromatic harmonies in the arias. RARA format.
    Source: Münster Santini HS 859 (11)
    Range: d - e'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Che Sisifo infelice
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The subject deals with that old favourite 'lontananza' or separation using the image of Sisyphus pushing rocks uphill to illustrate the hopelessness of the lover's cause. A cantata with much to recommend it, come great recitative and aria writing. RARA format.
    Source: Münster Santini Samlung HS 3977
    Range: d - f#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Cinta dei più bei fiori
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    "Surrounded by so many beautiful flowers" and so much beautiful music. This is a substantial pastoral cantata (with an appearance by the faithless Clori) in RARARA format. Sinuous recitative and stunning arias!
    Range: e - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Del lagrimoso lido
    (Euridice dall'inferno)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The Orfeo story as told by Euridice, who implores Orfeo to recover her from hell (Aria 1), then addresses the Furies in the dramatic 2nd Aria with contrasting B section. The text of Aria 3 expresses cautious optimism, but the music undermines this with a fragmented coloratura in f# minor. Powerful recitatives and contrasted arias (b minor, F major, f# minor) make this a strong character portrayal. The edition gives Scarlatti's two settings of Aria 1 - the first a chromatic ground bass, the 'other way' a more modern cantabile aria, both capturing the pathos of Euridice.
    Range - e'-a''
    R-A-R-A-R-A
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
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  • Del' Tirreno à le sponde
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14211 ff 58r - 64r
    This sad, pastoral cantata sees our hero Fileno languishing for lost love (of Clori of course) on the banks of the Tyrrhenian Sea - the scene of many a fevered brow! In double recit-aria format, both arias andante but vastly different. Some excellent changes from secco recit into arioso.
    Range: e - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Della spietata Irene
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Why do these men keep coming back for more? This perfidious Irene can kill with a glance, has Cupid on her side and just doesn't care! One of Scarlatti's more chromatic offerings in RARA format, both arias full of peno. Range d - f'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Dorisbe cacciatrice - Già sorge l'Alba
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A large cantata telling the story of the huntress Dorisbe. Her face is compared to the snares of Cupid, her bow to Cupid's darts and the listener is exhorted to hunt animals, not Love. In a complicated RAARARAA format, the last aria gradually becoming arioso then recitative. Some excellent hunting motifs in the music, particularly evoking the sound of the hunting horn.
    Sources: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3977 and HS 864
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • E come, oh Dio
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    [ca.1697/8]
    Remarkable, dramatic recitatives, female narrator, theme of jealousy caused by separation; range: d'- g
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
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  • E come, oimè, poss'io?
    Forces: soprano & continuo
     The cruelty of Love is the theme of this cantata. How can I resist your beauty? That age-old problem! Complete with optional continuo realisation.
    Range: d - f#' 
    Editor: Brian Daw
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  • Era giunta quell' ora
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Dated on the first page as '29 Novembre 1704'. Our protagonist has given in to the power of love and once more Fileno will be in Clori's arms. Her breast has far more allure than anything else! RARA format with two rapid-fire arias including an excellent Minuet.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 3907(6)
    Range: e - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Fille, mia cara Fille
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    A wonderfully chromatic work from 1704 (November 4th), the chromaticism expressing the tortures of loving such an unfaithful woman as Fille (the usual). Long, complex recitatives and two very contrasting arias.
    Range: d - f#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Filli adorata, e cara
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Why do these men suffer so? Despite being separated from his beloved, our protagonist sings of his love for her being the reason for his life. His soul yearns and his death will swiftly follow, should she not return. Yeah, right! RARA format, one aria slow and sinuous, the other fast and virtuosic. Range c - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Giù di Vulcan
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Join the god Vulcan in his depths to discuss the changeable nature of love. RARA format with some wonderfully sinuous writing in recitative and aria.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3909
    Range: b flat - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Il genio di Mitilde
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: Paris Bibliothèque Nationale, MS D.11840
    The capricious Mitilde has more moods than the sea has storms, and Scarlatti depicts her in a fiery cantata with exciting demands for singer, cellist and keyboard player. Range - e' g''.
    2 Recits and arias: 1. Spiritoso, D minor; 2. Alla breve, A major
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
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  • In vano Amor tiranno
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The first line says it all: Cupid is trying to destroy another young man's life with his darts and this guy is fighting back! An extensive work in RARARA format, the first two arias slow and sinuous, the last more matter-of-fact and resigned to fate.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Io son Neron (Il Nerone)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    This cantata was written in 1698 and is from a manuscript with a number of other mythological or historical themes rather than pastoral. The self-styled 'Emperor of the World', Nero, is certainly enjoying his ego! Florid and virtuosic. RARARAR format with a fiery recitative finish.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3909
    Range: d - b'' flat
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • La dove a Mergellina
    Forces: Soprano & continuo
    There at Mergellina where the sea kisses the shore, the lovelorn Elpino went alone one day, addressing the waves: "Love him that loves you..." A stunning example of the genre in a long-awaited edition from Rosalind Halton and a must have for the lovers of cantate de camera. In RARA format and taken from two sources, Naples and London.
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
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  • Leandro anima mia (Ero e Leandro)
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Hero calls for Leander who is attempting to swim the Hellespont to meet her. Upon his death she reacts to his loss and her reaction is interpreted by a narrator character in a final aria. In RARARA format.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3909
    Range: c - d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Libertà del mio cor
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    [ca.1709] - one source only extant.
    Theme of the bird seeking freedom/ the lover freedom from love. Virtuoso aria 1, final siciliano very beautiful.
    Range: d'-g''. A major/D major.
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
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  • Lieti boschi, ombre amiche
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Taking refuge in the forests, amongst the friendly shades, our heart-broken protagonist sighs at his plight. The trees, breezes, beasts and birds know how he feels, but Clori is insensitive to his love. RARA format with a spiky adagio and a rather sprightly andante to finish.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3907(15)
    Range: b - c'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Lontan dall' Idol mio
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Sources: 7 MS sources, as described in the notes, dated 1699 in one source (Bodleian Library, Oxford).
    Subject: the illusion of love being present, though far away. This is one of the most profound and passionate settings by Scarlatti on the theme of distance and separation, from its opening interval - a minor 9th - to the wild despairing modulations within the final Siciliano aria.
    Featured on chacona's recording 'Olimpia: cantatas of Alessandro Scarlatti'.
    Vocal range: d'-g''
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
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  • Lontananza crudele, deh perchè
    Forces: soprano & continuo

    Editor: Brian Daw
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  • Mesto lasso, e ramingo
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Dated on the first page as June of 1704. Submerged in sadness and sorrow, our protagonist pleads with Fate for release. In regular RARA format with a quirky 3/4 first aria and a lovely, pleading Siciliano to finish.
    Source: Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 3907(2)
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Mi tormenta il pensiero (i)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    The first version of this cantata, dated 10 March 1701 in Scarlatti's 'Cantata Diary'. 'Tormented by my thoughts, consumed with desire, lost is hope, and without hope what point is there in life?' The torments of Jealousy in love. RARA format.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 864(7)
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Mi tormenta il pensiero (ii)
    Forces: alto & continuo
    The second version on this text, using more of the text than version I. The cruel force of Jealousy plagues the young lover in this concisely written pastoral cantata. Tormented by thoughts, consumed with desire, lost is hope, and without hope what point is there in life?.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung 3909
    Range: b - c#'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Non lasciar canora e bella
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Charting the progress of the Swallow (Rondinella) from the Arno to the Tebro at the end of the Summer's heat, with some beautiful word painting (including fluting bird-song) and some quite stunning recitative - AS at his best in another of the 1704 cantatas. In ARARA format, starting with a gentle Siciliano, an Allegro in cut common time is the middle aria and the final aria is a lively 3/8.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung 3907
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Notte cara a un cor
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    (1705)
    Vocal range: d'-g''.
    Hanley 478. Three arias, two recits. Sources in British Library and Santini Collection, Münster.
    Theme of night and the solitary lover; rewarding cello part, especially the virtuoso Aria 2.
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
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  • O che mostro, o che furia è Lontananza (1709)
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Text is by Cardinal Ottoboni: being apart is a monster, a fury, and always gives rise to jealousy. Arias are in B flat (very ornate) and C major (very cheerful and melodic), and the cantata finishes with a brief recitative, giving thanks for faithful love which can survive separation. Both arias have rewarding dialogue for voice and cello.
    The whole manuscript contains settings of Ottoboni's texts.
    RARAR format
    Range: e flat'- g''
    Source: British Library, Add. Ms. 34056
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
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  • O pace del mio cor
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    O peace of my heart, where do you wander? So begins this delightful cantata, one of Alessandro Scarlatti’s most frequently copied. The principal source of this edition is held in the Royal College of London, Ms. 583, a copy in a Neapolitan hand. ARAR format.
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
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  • Peno, e del mio penar
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    28 August, 1705, autograph source in New Haven, Yale (Scarlatti's 'cantata diary').
    Penetrating melismatic recitatives, with final aria in Siciliano style.
    Range: e flat'- g''. C minor/F minor. Scarlatti's complex chromatic style.
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
    No preview available | Price: £ 4.95 | 
  • Poiche cessano alfin
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    range: e'-g'' The storms of love come to an end. The final aria 'andante amoroso' Siciliano is a great, touching example of the genre, and recitatives show the virtuoso declamatory style of Scarlatti at the height of his creativity. 2 recits, 2 arias.
    Editor: Rosalind Halton
    No preview available | Price: £ 4.95 | 
  • Quando Amor vuol ferirmi
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    "When Love wants to hurt me, the traitor hides beneath your lashes..." The bitter-sweet torments of love in this delightful work from Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3915(2) - Hanley 588. In RARA format
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • S'io t'amo s'io t'adoro
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Dated on the first page as June of 1704. Amore is playing his tricks again and has had his usual effect! RARA format with a complicated first aria largo.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung Hs 3907(2)
    Range: d - a''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Scompagnata tortorella
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Our litte turtle-dove is caged and kept away from his beloved again in this charming cantata and once again death is preferable to this continued condition of estrangement from the beloved! In ARA format.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 861
    Range: e flat - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Solitudini care
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Sources: BL Add MSS 14213 & 31509
    Tirsi seems to be unhappy sotto l'ombra again, calling for his beloved Climene in this extraordinarily chromatic cantata Dall'occulto A.S.. In double recit-aria format with frequent tempo changes in the last aria (see MIDI).
    Range: c - f#'
    Editor: Kate Eckersley & James Sanderson
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  • Son contenta di soffrire
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    'I am content to suffer the cruelty of my beloved, because he means more to me than life itself' Yeah right! Another example of Alessandro Scarlatti's sinuous style, with some tremendous chromaticisms. ARA format.
    Range: d - g
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Son io, barbara Donna
    Forces: alto & continuo
    Source: BL Add MS 14213 ff 84r - 87v
    Clori's willful heart has wandered again and her lover reminds her that she will never find another as faithful as he. In double recit-aria format.
    Range: c- d'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Sovra il margine erboso
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    On the banks of a river, our lover spies his beloved and begs her to gaze upon him in the way she gazes on the crystal waters. In RARARA format with some characteristic sinuous harmonies, this is a lovely work!
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 3915(1) - Hanley 681
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Su'l margine fiorito d’un limpido ruscello
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    In this large and complex cantata, the protagonist is sitting on the flowery banks of a limpid stream bemoaning the absence of his beloved. He calls to the waves and the wind in the first aria (adagio) to take his love to her, he sings how her image is carved on his heart in the second aria (à tempo guisto) and the final aria is a chromatically complex andante in cut common time. Dated 13th December, 1704 on the first page.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung 3907(5)
    Range: d - f'
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Tra verdi piante ombrose
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Once again the God of Love has cast his fiery darts at Mitilde's love and keeps him away from her. Complete with optional continuo realisation.
    Sources: various Italian, British and German institutions.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: Brian Daw
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  •  Lasciami alquanto piangere 
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    In this particularly sad cantata, Filen bemoans lost love and prepares to die: Let me weep, for I can say no more... Starting with a particularly beautiful Siciliano and ending with a typically breezy second aria, this delightful cantata is in aria - recit - aria format. Complete with optional continuo realisation.
    Range: d - e' flat 
    Editor: Brian Daw
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  •  O voi di queste selve habitatrici 
    Forces: soprano & continuo
     A fine example of Scarlatti's late chromaticism. The second aria Lento is particularly 'twisty'. Irene is bemoaning her unfaithful lover Lidio who has fallen for Filli, addressing the inhabitants of the woods and fields. A lot of help they're going to be with their track record! Complete with optional continuo realisation.
    Range: e flat - g#' 
    Editor: Brian Daw
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Scarlatti, Domenico (b Naples, 26 Oct 1685; d Madrid, 23 July 1757)

Continuo cantata
  • Ah! sei troppo infelice
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    One of Scarlatti's late chamber cantatas recorded by Kate Eckersley
    Sinuous opening arioso/recit with two straightforward arias and a secco recit in wich the lover deals with the pains caused by the Nume arciero.
    Range: e' - g''
    Editor: Kate Eckersley & James Sanderson
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  • Con qual cor
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: MS in the collection of the Royal College of Music, London
    Hell hath no fury... in this aria - recit - aria cantata. With what kind of heart do you ask me for peace...ungrateful soul, traitor!
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: Kate Eckersley & James Sanderson
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  • Di fille vendicarmi vorrei
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: MS in the collection of the Royal College of Music, London
    Aria - recit - aria format, the first remarkable for its chromaticism, the last for its sheer verve and virtuosity. The text deals with a young man whose love for Fille has caused him 'fierce grief' and leads him to pray to the God of Love for assistance.
    Range: a - a''
    Editor: Kate Eckersley & James Sanderson
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  • Fille già più non parlo
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Virtuosic cantata in two recit and aria format with a particularly fiendish last aria (see MIDI).
    Editor: Kate Eckersley & James Sanderson
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  • No, non fuggire ò Nice
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: MS in the collection of the Royal College of Music, London.
    Once again a young man sacrifices his personal happiness on the altar of unrequited love for Nice. In double recit-aria format, the spectacular second aria showing strong Spanish influence (MIDI preview).
    Range: c - g'
    Editor: Kate Eckersley & James Sanderson
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  • Qual pensier, quale ardire
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Fantastically dramatic piece with a vocal range of A - a' (at one point in a single phrase) First aria is exceptional, divided into alternating slow and fast sections and with a rolling triple B section. This is one angry lady!
    Editor: Kate Eckersley & James Sanderson
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  • Se ti dicesse un core
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: MS in the collection of the Royal College of Music, London
    Aria - recit - aria format, the last aria in two exciting and virtuosic parts in different time signatures. Here the text involves a rejected, though constant lover asking for the pity of his beloved.
    Range: d - g'
    Editor: Kate Eckersley & James Sanderson
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  • Selve caverne e monti
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14182
    An attractive cantata by D. Scarlatti in recit/arioso - aria - recit - aria form with a text concerning the lover's search for his fleeing beloved.
    Range: d' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
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  • Ti ricorda o bella Irene
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: MS in the collection of the Royal College of Music, London
    Aria - recit - aria format with interesting major/minor juxtapositions in the last. It's the tale of another long-suffering lover willing to do anything for his beloved.
    Range: b - a''
    Editor: Kate Eckersley & James Sanderson
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  • Tu mi chiedi o mio ben
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Our erstwhile suitor compares the beams from Filli's eyes to cupid's darts. These darts strike his heart and cause all the blood to flow from it - perhaps a trifle dramatic but certainly worth a sing! In RARARA format with some typically twisted harmonic and melodic shifts.
    Source: Münster Santini Sammlung HS 864 (only source)
    Range: e - g'
    Editor: James Sanderson
    MIDI Preview | Price: £ 4.95 | 
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Vinci, Leonardo (b Strongoli, Calabria, ?1690; d Naples, 27/28 May 1730)

Continuo cantata
  • Olimpia abbandonata
    Forces: soprano & continuo
    Source: BL Add 14226
    This is a beautiful working of the deserted Olimpia story with many cries for her beloved. Extensive Lento to begin and a fiery Presto to finish.
    Range: d#' - g''
    Editor: James Sanderson
    MIDI Preview | Price: £ 4.95 | 
  • Tu partisti, o del core
    Forces: alto & continuo
    A delightful offering from Sgr. Vinci, in RARA format, the recitatives long and complex, the arias reflecting Burney's opinion than Vinci was a master at "...simplifying and polishing melody and calling the attention of the audience cheifly to the voice part."
    Sad, yet vibrant - a tale of longing and despair.
    Range: a - e'
    Editor: James Sanderson
    Score Preview | MIDI Preview | Price: £ 4.95 | 
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