Composer

:

Benedetto Marcello

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

5:56

'Ahi, quanto è fiero e doloroso passo' is a vocal work composed by Benedetto Marcello, an Italian composer, writer, and magistrate of the Baroque period. The piece was composed in the early 18th century and was first performed in Venice, Italy. It is a solo cantata for soprano voice and continuo, with a duration of approximately 10 minutes. The cantata is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is marked 'Largo' and is characterized by a mournful and melancholic melody. The soprano voice sings of the pain and suffering of a lover who has been abandoned by their beloved. The continuo provides a simple and understated accompaniment, allowing the voice to take center stage. The second movement is marked 'Allegro' and is more upbeat and lively than the first. The soprano voice sings of the hope and joy that comes with the possibility of reconciliation with the beloved. The continuo provides a more complex and energetic accompaniment, reflecting the change in mood. The final movement is marked 'Largo' and returns to the mournful and melancholic mood of the first movement. The soprano voice sings of the despair and heartbreak that comes with the realization that the beloved will never return. The continuo provides a simple and understated accompaniment, allowing the voice to convey the full emotional weight of the text. Overall, 'Ahi, quanto è fiero e doloroso passo' is a beautiful and poignant work that showcases Marcello's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its expressive melodies, simple yet effective accompaniment, and emotional depth. It remains a popular work in the vocal repertoire and is frequently performed and recorded today.

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