Vivaldi's opera Armida al campo d'Egitto premiered at the small San Moisè theater of Venice during the carnival celebrations of 1718. The libretto was written by Giovanni Palazzo. The arias which comprise this work are not elaborate solo pieces as in Vivaldi's later operas. Rather they are works in which the orchestra play an important role, often providing thematic material for the vocal line in its complex, contrapuntal fabric, and acting as an equal partner to the voice. Vocal dialogues with the instruments, sensitive instrumentation, and involved accompaniments make for a lively texture throughout. French influences were important to Vivaldi at this time, and dotted rhythms, syncopations, and rhythmic vitality are important in his writing. The aria "So che combatte ancor" is marked alla Francese and filled with dotted rhythms and other French elements. Armida was revived for the carnival of 1738, and at this time much of the music was rewritten, and arias by Leonardo Leo were added.

© Rita Laurance, Rovi