This aria, like many of the baroque and early classical periods, is known

not from its original operatic source, but from publication in a collection

edited by Parisotti, and published in the late 19th century. This collection

quickly became a common source for salon and for recital music, and today

it is the rare vocal recital which doesn't contain one or two of these arias

as an introduction and warm-up.

This aria has long, graceful lines, with many changes in dynamics (volume),

which allow a singer to display breath control and tone. The words are

very simple, as in many of the baroque arias. "My dear treasure, at least

believe me, without you, my heart mourns. Your faithful one is always

sighing—cease, cruel one, such harshness." The aria then repeats, usually

with vocal ornamentation at the singer's discretion.

This aria has also appeared in transcriptions for solo instruments,

especially violin and cello.

© All Music Guide