From the recording Prima Donna
by Nathalie Stutzmann and her ensemble Orfeo 55 [Thibault Noally, violin soloist]
This aria is from Andromeda liberata, a Venetian pasticcio-serenata, dated September 18, 1726, that was composed in honor of arts patron Cardinal Ottoboni (1665-1740).
Based on a libretto by Vincenzo Cassani (c.1677-c.1736), the story is taken from Greek mythology.
With a cast of characters that includes Princess Andromeda, Perseus, Pegasus, Medusa, Poseidon, sea nymphs and a sea monster, it’s no wonder this was a popular subject for operas.
Also popular with artists, there are numerous paintings devoted to the subject. (Information about the art used in this video is included below).
This aria composed by Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
“Sovente il sole”
Sovente il sole
Risplende in cielo
Più bello e vago
Se oscura nube
Già l’offusco.
E il mar tranquillo
Quasi senza onda
Talor si scorge,
Se ria procella
Pria lo turbo.
TRANSLATION: Often the sun beams in the sky With greater beauty and allure After the dark clouds, which had dimmed it before, have cleared. And the calm peaceful sea Is seen with almost no waves After the passing of a terrible storm which had agitated it before.
CD available from Deutsche Grammophon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/A…
Various artists depictions of the Andromeda and Perseus myth. In order of appearance:
1. ( 0:02) Sir Edward John Poynter (1836-1919)
2. (1:10) Henri-Pierre Picou (1824-1895)
3. (1:32) Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
4. (1:54) François Lemoyne (1688-1737)
5. (2:05) Theodoor van Thulden (1606-1669)
6. (2:36) Pierre Mignard (1612–1695)
7. (3:02) Annibale Carracci (1560–1609)
8. (3:20) Charles Napier Kennedy (1852-1898)
9. (3:50) Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)
10. (4:08) Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574)
11. (4:32) Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
12. (4:42) Gustave Doré (1832-1883)
13. (5:10) Gustave Moreau (1826-1898)
14, (5:50) Charles-André van Loo (1705-1765)
15. (6:18) Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
16. (6:38) Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael (1566-1638)
17. (7:15) Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli, known as il Morazzone (1573-1626)
18. (7:39) Gustave Moreau (1826-1898)
19. (8:26) Piero di Cosimo (1462-1521)
20. (8:46) Anton Raphael Mengs (1728-779)
21. (9:28) Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
FURTHER RESEARCH:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andromed…)
DARWIN'S TREE 