Composer

:

Antonio Vivaldi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

before 1742

Average_duration

:

12:45

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

"Fonti del pianto" (Fountains of Tears) is a sacred vocal work composed by Antonio Vivaldi in the early 18th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1710s, during Vivaldi's tenure as maestro di violino at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice. The work was premiered in Venice in 1715, likely at the Ospedale della Pietà. "Fonti del pianto" is a solo cantata for alto voice, strings, and continuo. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by its own distinct mood and musical style. The first movement, "Fonti del pianto," is a slow and mournful aria in the key of A minor. The second movement, "Sospiri di foco," is a faster and more energetic aria in the key of D minor. The final movement, "Lacrime amare," is a slow and contemplative aria in the key of A minor. The text of "Fonti del pianto" is taken from a collection of sacred poetry by the Venetian poet and librettist Apostolo Zeno. The text is highly emotional and expressive, with themes of sorrow, repentance, and redemption. Vivaldi's music is perfectly suited to the text, with its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and virtuosic vocal writing. Overall, "Fonti del pianto" is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Vivaldi's skill as a composer of sacred vocal music. The work is notable for its expressive power, its beautiful melodies, and its masterful use of harmony and counterpoint. It remains a beloved work in the repertoire of Baroque vocal music.

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