This pastoral carpe diem work is structured very much as an aria,

complete with a more speech-like recitative introduction, and then

with a dance-like song. The song is a typical pastoral, with

relatively simple, charming melodies, but with very clean, pure lines

in the voice and accompaniment. It's much like the Renaissance and Baroque

ideal of what the pastoral life much be like: simple, charming, and

clean.

The song opens with a description of the beautiful day, and then calls

the nymphs to come and dance. And, as often happens, dance is a

metaphor for other physical activities, as the singer calls, "let

the beautiful face nearby in the shade, have as her only boast her

pity. Sing, sing, laughing nymphs, disperse the cold winds of cruelty!"

The lilting melody is a perfect setting for the light-hearted,

partly sensual, partly innocent text.

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This work, published in 1630 is an aria without an opera, but has such vivid characterization that one can well imagine it as coming from a complete work. The frequent rhythmic changes throughout the entire piece make it seem even more as though it's taken from a work that has created and displays this character. The work opens with imitations of a lover's wild claims and pleas, setting a mock-dramatic mood. "Thus you disdain me? This you make a mockery of me? Time will come, Love will make of your heart what you make of mine. No more words—farewell." But like just about everybody who says that they'd said all they're going to say, the singer continues. "Inflict more torment on me, mock my sighs, deny me my just dues, outrage my fidelity—soon you'll see in yourself what you make of me. Beauty does not reign forever, even if it counsels you to disdain my faith." The aria then continues with a very satisfied description of how the beloved's beauty will fade, and then "I'm going to laugh, eventually." Depending on the performer's chosen interpretation, this can be spiteful, or teasing, or both. The frequent irregularities of the rhythm and musical lines draw attention to the work, making sure that while the idea is rather repetitive, the listener's attention doesn't flag. The triumphant ending, with the "I'm going to laugh, eventually" makes for a rousing finish.

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