Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1708

Average_duration

:

5:17

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

"Che via pensando, folle pensier" is a cantata composed by George Frederick Handel in 1707. The cantata was premiered in Rome, Italy, during Handel's time there as a young composer. The piece is written for a solo soprano accompanied by a small ensemble of strings and continuo. The cantata consists of three movements. The first movement is an aria in A minor, "Che via pensando, folle pensier," which translates to "What way of thinking, crazy thought." The aria is a lament in which the soprano expresses her confusion and despair over her unrequited love. The music is characterized by its melancholic melody and the use of chromaticism to convey the singer's emotional turmoil. The second movement is a recitative in which the soprano addresses her lover directly, asking him why he is so cruel to her. The music is more declamatory in nature, with the singer delivering the text in a more speech-like manner. The final movement is another aria, "Se pietà di me non senti," which translates to "If you do not feel pity for me." This aria is more hopeful in tone, with the soprano pleading with her lover to take pity on her and return her affections. The music is characterized by its use of ornamentation and virtuosic vocal lines, which showcase the singer's vocal abilities. Overall, "Che via pensando, folle pensier" is a beautiful example of Handel's early vocal writing. The piece showcases his ability to convey complex emotions through music and his skill in writing for the human voice.

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