Composer

:

Giovanni Felice Sances

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:04

Giovanni Felice Sances was an Italian composer and singer of the Baroque era. He was born in Rome in 1600 and died in Venice in 1679. Sances was known for his vocal music, particularly his sacred music and his operas. One of his most famous works is the cycle of solo cantatas called "Lagrime tutte amare" (All Bitter Tears), which was composed in the mid-17th century. The cycle consists of seven cantatas, each of which is based on a different text from the Old Testament. The cantatas are written for a solo voice and continuo, and each one is in a different key and has a different character. The texts are all lamentations, expressing grief and sorrow, and the music is highly expressive and emotional. The cycle was first published in 1664 in Venice, and it quickly became popular throughout Europe. The premiere of the cycle is not known, but it was likely performed in private settings for wealthy patrons. The cycle was also performed in public concerts, and it was often used as a showcase for virtuoso singers. The seven cantatas are: 1. "Lagrime amare" (Bitter Tears) - based on the Book of Lamentations. This cantata is in the key of A minor and is characterized by its mournful melody and dissonant harmonies. 2. "O mors, quam amara est memoria tua" (O Death, How Bitter is Your Memory) - based on the Book of Job. This cantata is in the key of G minor and is characterized by its dramatic recitative and virtuosic arias. 3. "Stabat Mater dolorosa" (The Sorrowful Mother Stood) - based on the Stabat Mater hymn. This cantata is in the key of F minor and is characterized by its plaintive melody and rich harmonies. 4. "Ego flos campi" (I am the Flower of the Field) - based on the Song of Solomon. This cantata is in the key of D minor and is characterized by its sensual melody and elaborate ornamentation. 5. "Vulnerasti cor meum" (You Have Wounded My Heart) - based on the Song of Solomon. This cantata is in the key of E minor and is characterized by its passionate melody and virtuosic vocal writing. 6. "Lamentatio tertia" (Third Lamentation) - based on the Book of Jeremiah. This cantata is in the key of C minor and is characterized by its somber melody and expressive harmonies. 7. "Plorans ploravit" (She Wept Bitterly) - based on the Book of Lamentations. This cantata is in the key of B flat minor and is characterized by its intense emotional expression and virtuosic vocal writing. Overall, "Lagrime tutte amare" is a masterpiece of Baroque vocal music, showcasing Sances' skill as a composer and his ability to express deep emotions through music. The cycle is still performed today by singers and ensembles specializing in early music, and it remains a beloved work of the Baroque repertoire.

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