Composer

:

Alessandro Scarlatti

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1693

First Performance

:

1693

Average_duration

:

145:46

Movement_count

:

52

Movement ....

"I dolori di Maria sempre vergine" is a sacred oratorio composed by Alessandro Scarlatti in 1717. The piece was premiered in Naples, Italy, and is divided into seven movements. The oratorio tells the story of the Virgin Mary's sorrows, from the prophecy of Simeon to the crucifixion of Jesus. The first movement, "Sinfonia," is an instrumental introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The second movement, "Profezia di Simeone," features a bass soloist singing the words of Simeon, who prophesies that Mary's heart will be pierced by a sword. The third movement, "Lamento di Maria," is a soprano aria in which Mary laments the fate of her son. The fourth movement, "Il pianto degli angeli," is a chorus in which the angels weep for Jesus. The fifth movement, "La Veronica," is a duet between a soprano and alto soloist, telling the story of Veronica wiping the face of Jesus. The sixth movement, "La croce," is a chorus in which the people mock Jesus on the cross. The final movement, "Il sepolcro," is a duet between a soprano and alto soloist, describing the burial of Jesus. Scarlatti's "I dolori di Maria sempre vergine" is characterized by its emotional intensity and dramatic storytelling. The music is highly expressive, with soaring melodies and intricate harmonies that convey the sorrow and pain of the story. The use of soloists and chorus adds depth and complexity to the piece, creating a rich and powerful musical experience. Overall, "I dolori di Maria sempre vergine" is a masterful work of sacred music that showcases Scarlatti's skill as a composer and his ability to convey deep emotion through music.

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