Work
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Vittoria, mio core, for soprano and continuoYear: 1646
Genre: Cantata
Pr. Instrument: Soprano
This is one of Carissimi's simplest secular cantatas, consisting of little more than a da capo aria. It must have been one of his most popular works in his own time and shortly thereafter, for there exist about 15 near-contemporary copies in various music collections. As in most such works, the text is anonymous and rather vacuous, but the music conveys the mood so accurately and with such an infectious melody that it has remained a recital favorite.
The piece starts with a lively exposition of the first theme, ending with a jubilantly extended run on the word "sciolta" (shattered.) The setting also repeats the word "vittoria" (victory) 14 times, more than any other in the text. After this aria, the tempo slows for a recitative-like passage and then returns to the opening; this pattern repeats with another recitative section and a final repeat of the opening. Carissimi used this same structure in other secular cantatas, such as Bel tempo per me, but this is one of his simplest works, with only the extended run as musical rhetoric, and only a discreet use of modulations between the aria and recitative sections.
The piece does not celebrate a military victory but rather an emotional one. "Victory, victory, victory, my heart! No more tears, no more tears, love's vile servitude is shattered!" declares the liberated erstwhile lover. In addition to the martial tempo and boastful words, the long runs also let the singer show off. This amusing but still carefully constructed piece is full of personality and a sheer delight.
© All Music Guide



