Barbara Strozzi
3.11

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Desideri vani

Trio originally for two Sopranos, Bass, and basso continuo.
Original Language: Italian

Desideri, che sperate
Di gioir? Voi v'ingannate.

Può ben grand' ale ingigantito il core
Spiegar al ciel d'amore,
Mentre dalla crudel che vi fa guerra
Vostre speranze in terra
Piombano fulmiate.

Desideri, che sperate...

In vano ergete ardimentoso il guardo
Ad un seren bugiardo,
Mentr'al vostro salir fiere procelle
Dalle nemiche stelle
Vengono minacciate.

Desideri, che sperate...

English

Vain Desires

Desires, what do you hope to enjoy?
You're deceiving yourselves.

The heart can well soar
on giant wings in the sky of love,
but the cruel one at war with you
will send your hopes
plumetting in flames to the ground.

Desires, what do you hope...

In vain you raise your fervent eyes
to a treacherous face,
but your aspirations are threatened
with fierce storms
from the enemy stars.

Desires, what do you hope...

Translated by:

Richard Kolb

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Cover of Desideri Vani

Desideri Vani

Published by Cor Donato Editions in historically correct modern transcription, including critical introductory notes on the work, editorial procedures, original texts with new English translations, and other contextual information about the piece.

Now available at CorDonatoEditions.com!

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  • Arias and Duets

    Christine Brandes, soprano, Jennifer Lane, mezzo-soprano, Kurt-Owen Richards, bass, New York Baroque, Eric Milnes, conductor

    Dorian (2001) [Audio CD, Digital / MP3]

    • Track #8 - Desideri vani, Op 3 (S,S,B, bc) [2:44]
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