Composer

:

Tomaso Albinoni

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1702

Publication Date

:

1702

Average_duration

:

5:47

"Son qual Tantalo novello" is a vocal solo composed by Tomaso Albinoni, an Italian Baroque composer, in 1701. The piece is part of his Opus 4 collection, which consists of twelve cantatas for solo voice and continuo. The premiere of the collection is not known, but it was published in Amsterdam in 1708. "Son qual Tantalo novello" is a single-movement cantata in the key of A minor. The piece is written for a solo soprano voice and continuo, which consists of a harpsichord or organ and a cello or bassoon. The text of the cantata is in Italian and tells the story of a lover who is tormented by unrequited love. The piece begins with a slow and mournful introduction, which sets the mood for the rest of the cantata. The soprano enters with a recitative, expressing her despair and comparing herself to Tantalus, a figure from Greek mythology who was punished by the gods by being forced to stand in a pool of water that receded whenever he tried to drink from it. The aria that follows is in a fast and lively tempo, with a melody that is full of leaps and runs. The soprano sings of her desire to be loved and her frustration at being rejected. The music is full of dramatic contrasts, with sudden shifts in dynamics and tempo. The middle section of the cantata is a recitative, in which the soprano reflects on her situation and wonders if she will ever find happiness. The final section is another aria, in which the soprano expresses her determination to overcome her suffering and find love. The music is triumphant and joyful, with a melody that is full of energy and optimism. Overall, "Son qual Tantalo novello" is a typical example of Albinoni's style, with its expressive melodies, dramatic contrasts, and virtuosic vocal writing. The piece is a showcase for a talented soprano singer, who must navigate the challenging vocal lines and convey the emotional depth of the text.

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