Composer

:

Jan Baptist Verrijt

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1649

Average_duration

:

3:06

Ah, horrida bella, Op. 5/10 is a vocal composition by Jan Baptist Verrijt, a Dutch composer of the Baroque era. The piece was composed in the early 17th century, and its premiere date is unknown. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is a recitative, which sets the scene for the following two movements. The second movement is an aria, which features a solo voice accompanied by a continuo instrument, typically a harpsichord or organ. The third movement is a duet, which features two voices singing together in harmony. The text of the composition is taken from Virgil's Aeneid, specifically from Book 7, in which the Trojan hero Aeneas prepares for battle against the Italian forces. The text describes the horrors of war and the devastation it brings, with lines such as "Ah, horrida bella, / et Thybrim multo spumantem sanguine cerno" (Ah, horrid wars, and I see the Tiber foaming with much blood). Verrijt's musical setting of the text reflects the dramatic and emotional content of the words. The recitative is declamatory and forceful, conveying the urgency of the situation. The aria is more introspective, with a slower tempo and more lyrical melody, reflecting the sadness and despair of the situation. The duet is more hopeful, with the two voices singing in harmony, suggesting the possibility of victory and peace. Overall, Ah, horrida bella, Op. 5/10 is a powerful and moving composition that reflects the horrors of war and the human cost of conflict. Verrijt's skillful use of musical techniques and his sensitive setting of the text make this piece a notable example of Baroque vocal music.

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