Many of Scarlatti's cantatas have no known date of composition, in part because he wrote so many of them. Scarlatti was the last major contributor to the genre, writing almost 800 cantatas. They were commissioned by the aristocracy and the wealthy in Italy and performed at their courts to entertain guests or for special occasions. They were also performed at conversazioni or academies, which were gatherings of the nobility with their friends. This cantata was probably written between the years 1690 and 1695.

Su le Sponde de Tebro is a cantata for solo voice. Its text is pastoral and contains the typical complaint of an unrequited love. The scoring features a trumpet, which is used as an obbligato instrument and in duo textures with the voice. The text and the form of the cantata are shaped by narrative passages within which are the pathetic recitatives and arias of the protagonist Aminto. This shaping is derived from the works of Monteverdi and lasted throughout the history of the cantata. It contrasts impersonal narration with personal human emotion expressed in a lyrical vein. The narration in recitative opens the cantata and intensely lyrical passages in the form of a monologue are contained within its framework. The arias in this cantata are written to contrast with one another emotionally and musically. After an orchestral ritornello the opening aria begins, featuring a trumpet obbligato with a vocal part that imitates the trumpet themes.

"Infelice miei lumi" is the only piece designated arioso. Full of chromaticism, suspensions, and diminished seventh chords, the shepherd cries out in his grief. The aria "Dite almeno" is written over an ostinato bass and it is filled with rhythmic activity. This takes the form of hemiolas, syncopations, and cross rhythms. Its only accompaniment is the basso continuo, which is made up of the harpsichord and cello. After a brief narrative, the final aria is filled with Aminto's resolve to endure. A trumpet aria, its themes are heroic and triumphal. It is in the da capo form, which means that its opening themes of victory are repeated for added emphasis.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.