Composer

:

Tomaso Albinoni

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1702

Publication Date

:

1702

Average_duration

:

7:47

"Chi non sa quanto inumano" is a vocal work composed by Tomaso Albinoni, an Italian Baroque composer, in 1701. The piece was premiered in Venice, Italy, and is part of his Opus 4 collection of cantatas. The work consists of three movements: an opening aria, a recitative, and a closing aria. The text, written by an unknown author, tells the story of a lover who is tormented by the pain of unrequited love. The first aria, "Chi non sa quanto inumano," is a lament in which the lover expresses his despair and anguish. The music is characterized by its slow tempo, minor key, and descending melodic lines, which convey a sense of sadness and hopelessness. The recitative that follows is a dialogue between the lover and his heart, in which he questions why he continues to suffer for someone who does not love him in return. The music is more declamatory in style, with the accompaniment providing a simple harmonic framework for the text. The final aria, "Ma se non miro il mio ben," is a more hopeful and optimistic piece, in which the lover resolves to move on from his unrequited love. The music is faster and more lively than the previous movements, with a major key and ascending melodic lines that convey a sense of joy and liberation. Overall, "Chi non sa quanto inumano" is a typical example of Albinoni's vocal music, characterized by its expressive melodies, rich harmonies, and emotional depth. The work showcases his skill in setting text to music and his ability to convey complex emotions through his compositions.

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