Composer

:

Michelangelo Rossi

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:39

Michelangelo Rossi was an Italian composer and organist of the Baroque era. He was born in 1601 in Genoa and died in 1656 in Rome. One of his most famous works is the solo cantata "Alma afflitta," which was composed in the early 1640s. "Alma afflitta" is a solo cantata for soprano and continuo. It is divided into three movements: an aria, a recitative, and another aria. The text is in Italian and tells the story of a soul in distress, seeking comfort and solace from God. The first aria, "Alma afflitta e misera," is in a slow tempo and is characterized by its expressive melody and chromatic harmonies. The soprano sings of her sorrow and pain, begging for mercy and forgiveness. The recitative, "O Dio, che fa," is in a free rhythm and serves as a bridge between the two arias. The soprano addresses God directly, asking for his help and guidance. The final aria, "Lascia, o ciel pietoso," is in a faster tempo and is more optimistic in tone. The soprano sings of her faith in God and her hope for a better future. The music is characterized by its lively rhythms and virtuosic vocal lines. Overall, "Alma afflitta" is a beautiful example of Baroque vocal music. It showcases Rossi's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music. The work premiered in Rome in the 1640s and has since become a beloved piece in the repertoire of Baroque vocal music.

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