Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

ca. 1708

Average_duration

:

8:41

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

"Figli del mesto cor" is an aria from the opera "Siroe, re di Persia" composed by George Frederick Handel. The opera premiered on February 17, 1728, at the King's Theatre in London. The aria is sung by the character Emira in Act II, Scene 3. The aria is in the key of A minor and is written for a soprano voice. It is a slow and mournful piece, with a tempo marking of "Larghetto." The aria is in da capo form, with two contrasting sections followed by a repeat of the first section. The first section begins with a simple and melancholic melody in the strings, which is then taken up by the soprano voice. The lyrics, written by Italian librettist Pietro Metastasio, describe the sorrow of a mother who has lost her children. The music is characterized by long, sustained notes and a sense of longing and sadness. The second section is more agitated and features a faster tempo and more complex vocal lines. The lyrics describe the mother's anger and desire for revenge against those who have caused her pain. The music is more dramatic and intense, with sudden shifts in dynamics and a sense of urgency. The final section returns to the melody of the first section, but with some variations and embellishments. The music gradually fades away, leaving a sense of unresolved sadness. Overall, "Figli del mesto cor" is a powerful and emotional aria that showcases Handel's skill in writing for the human voice. Its themes of loss, grief, and revenge are timeless and continue to resonate with audiences today.

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