Composer

:

Antonio Caldara

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1732

First Performance

:

Mar 27, 1732

Antonio Caldara's 'Sedecia' is an oratorio in three acts that was composed in 1726. The premiere of the work took place in Vienna, Austria, on March 17, 1726. The libretto for the oratorio was written by Apostolo Zeno, an Italian poet and librettist. The oratorio tells the story of King Zedekiah (Sedecia in Italian), the last king of Judah, who rebelled against the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II and was subsequently captured and blinded. The work is divided into three acts, each of which contains several arias, recitatives, and choruses. The first act of 'Sedecia' sets the scene and introduces the main characters. The opening chorus, "Dove fuggo? Dove io vado?" ("Where do I flee? Where do I go?"), sets the tone for the entire work, with its mournful and introspective melody. The first act also includes several arias, including "Soffri, o mio cor" ("Suffer, my heart"), which is sung by Sedecia's wife, and "Sì, sì, mio ben" ("Yes, yes, my love"), which is sung by Sedecia himself. The second act of 'Sedecia' focuses on Sedecia's capture and imprisonment. The act opens with a chorus of Babylonian soldiers celebrating their victory over Judah. The act also includes several arias, including "Se mai più saro geloso" ("If ever I am jealous again"), which is sung by Sedecia's advisor, and "Ah, che il cor mi si spezza" ("Ah, my heart is breaking"), which is sung by Sedecia himself. The third and final act of 'Sedecia' deals with Sedecia's punishment and eventual redemption. The act opens with a chorus of angels singing "Gloria in excelsis Deo" ("Glory to God in the highest"), which is followed by several arias and recitatives. The final chorus, "Ogni corona è vana" ("Every crown is vain"), is a powerful and moving conclusion to the work, with its message of humility and redemption. Overall, 'Sedecia' is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Caldara's skill as a composer. The work is characterized by its beautiful melodies, intricate harmonies, and powerful choruses, which combine to create a work that is both musically and emotionally satisfying.

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