Composer

:

Gaetano Donizetti

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1830 - 1831

Average_duration

:

5:13

Ah, rammenta, o bella Irene is an aria from the opera "Belisario" composed by Gaetano Donizetti. The opera premiered on February 4, 1836, at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy. The aria is sung by the character Antonina in Act II, Scene 2. The aria is in the key of F major and is written in a bel canto style. It is a slow and melancholic piece that showcases the soprano's vocal range and control. The aria is divided into two sections, with the first section being a recitative and the second section being an aria. The recitative section begins with Antonina reminiscing about her past love for Belisario, the protagonist of the opera. She recalls the happy moments they shared together and how she longs to be with him again. The music is slow and mournful, with the orchestra providing a somber accompaniment. The aria section begins with the famous line "Ah, rammenta, o bella Irene" (Ah, remember, beautiful Irene). Antonina is addressing Irene, Belisario's wife, and asking her to remember the love that she and Belisario once shared. The music becomes more lyrical and expressive, with the soprano's voice soaring over the orchestra. The aria is notable for its use of ornamentation, with the soprano adding trills and runs to the vocal line. The music builds to a climax as Antonina expresses her longing for Belisario, before ending on a soft and tender note. Overall, Ah, rammenta, o bella Irene is a beautiful and emotional aria that showcases Donizetti's skill as a composer of bel canto opera. Its popularity has ensured its place in the repertoire of many sopranos, and it remains a beloved piece of music to this day.

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