Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

ca. 1711

Average_duration

:

8:50

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

"A mirarvi io son intento" is an aria from the opera "Alcina" composed by George Frederick Handel. The opera premiered on April 16, 1735, at the Covent Garden Theatre in London. The aria is sung by the character Ruggiero in Act II, Scene 8. The aria is in the key of A minor and is written for a solo voice accompanied by a string orchestra. It is a slow and melancholic piece, with a tempo marking of "Larghetto." The aria is divided into two sections, with the first section being in A minor and the second section in A major. The first section begins with a simple and haunting melody played by the strings. The solo voice enters with the words "A mirarvi io son intento" ("I am intent on looking at you"), and the melody becomes more complex and expressive. The vocal line is characterized by long, sustained notes and expressive ornamentation, which convey the character's longing and sadness. The second section begins with a sudden change to A major, which creates a sense of relief and hope. The melody becomes more lively and ornamented, with the vocal line featuring more runs and trills. The lyrics express the character's desire to be with his beloved and his willingness to do anything to be with her. Overall, "A mirarvi io son intento" is a beautiful and emotional aria that showcases Handel's skill in creating expressive and memorable melodies. Its melancholic and longing character is typical of the Baroque era, and it remains a popular piece in the repertoire of many opera singers today.

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