Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1640

Average_duration

:

6:30

'O ciechi il tanto affaticar che giova' is a sacred vocal piece composed by Claudio Monteverdi. It is part of his collection of sacred music, Selva morale e spirituale, which was published in 1640. The piece is written for four voices and basso continuo. The premiere of Selva morale e spirituale is not known, but it is believed to have been performed in Venice, where Monteverdi spent most of his career. The collection consists of 37 pieces, including psalms, motets, and hymns, and is considered one of Monteverdi's most significant works. 'O ciechi il tanto affaticar che giova' is the 23rd piece in the collection and is a setting of Psalm 127. The piece is divided into two movements, with the first movement being a recitative and the second movement being an aria. The recitative is sung by the bass voice and sets the text of the psalm, which speaks of the futility of human labor without God's blessing. The aria is sung by the four voices and is a prayer for God's blessing and protection. The piece is characterized by Monteverdi's use of chromaticism and dissonance, which were innovative for the time. The harmonies are complex and expressive, reflecting the emotional content of the text. The vocal lines are also highly ornamented, with trills and runs adding to the expressive nature of the music. Overall, 'O ciechi il tanto affaticar che giova' is a powerful and moving piece of sacred music that showcases Monteverdi's skill as a composer. Its inclusion in Selva morale e spirituale is a testament to the importance of this collection in the history of sacred music.

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