Composer

:

Domenico Scarlatti

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Average_duration

:

16:23

"Che vidi, o ciel" is a vocal work composed by Domenico Scarlatti, an Italian composer of the Baroque era. The piece was likely composed in the early 1700s, although the exact date is unknown. It is a solo cantata for soprano voice and continuo, and was likely intended for performance in a private setting. The piece is comprised of three movements: an opening recitative, followed by an aria, and concluding with a second recitative. The text of the piece is in Italian, and tells the story of a woman who has been betrayed by her lover. In the opening recitative, she laments her situation and calls out to the heavens for help. The aria that follows is more introspective, with the woman reflecting on her own feelings of sadness and despair. The final recitative is a plea for mercy, as the woman begs her lover to return to her. Musically, "Che vidi, o ciel" is typical of Scarlatti's style. The vocal line is highly ornamented, with frequent runs and trills. The accompaniment is provided by a continuo group, typically consisting of a harpsichord or organ and a cello or bassoon. The piece is characterized by its expressive melodies and dramatic contrasts, with moments of intense emotion followed by more subdued passages. Overall, "Che vidi, o ciel" is a beautiful example of Scarlatti's vocal music. Its expressive melodies and dramatic contrasts make it a powerful piece, and its intimate setting suggests that it was intended for performance in a private salon or chamber music setting.

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