Post on 08-Apr-2018
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
1/14
28
I hear a fleeting murmur from the Tiber; that all that charms and pleases flees on the wavesand that human desire has no peace if not sought in God.
Agnese from the SantAgnese Oratorio
C O N S O R T I U M C A R I S S I Msquisita musica strumentale ed eccellente musica vocale. Pompilio Totti R
On Occasion of the 300th Anniversary of Pasquini
SantAgnese Orato
1678Music of Bernardo Pasquini (1637
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
2/14
2
Agnese
Heather Cogswell - soprano
Madre di Agnese
Marita Link- mezzo-soprano
Flavio
Brian Link- counter-tenor
AspasioBen Henry-Moreland - baritone
Prefetto
Garrick Comeaux - bass
Violins
Ginna WatsonTerry Elliott
Violas
Steve StaruchCheryl Zylla
Basso Continuo
Mary Virginia Burke, viola da gambaTulio Rondon, cello
Theorbo
Paul Berget
Harpsichord
Bruce Jacobs
OrganDonald Livingston
27
Gratitude to our donors for helping make this season poss
Nancy Archer
Lillian Carteng
Laura Carlson
Katherine Cram
Dan Dressen and Elisabeth Comeaux
Lisa Drew
Keith Dunder
Edna EricksonBob and Darlene Hays
Robert Hickcox and Jacqueline Henry
Gerald Hoekstra
Jeffrey Holland
Laura Kane
James and Donna May
Beth McGuire
Timothy and Kathy Nelson
Beth and Pat Nunnally
Rick and Sandra Penning
Cynthia Prosek
Larry ReynoldsDale Talley
Robert and Maureen Vince
U.S. Bancorp
Deluxe Corporation
Consortium Carissimi
Board Members
Robert Hayes, President
Beth Nunnally, Treasurer
Don Livingston, Secretary
Consortium Carissimiis a501(c)(3) non-profit organization
P.O. Box 40553 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
Tel. 612.822.1376
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
3/14
26
Artwork on front cover ofAndrea del Sarto (Andrea d'Agnolo) 14861530 Florentine
S. Agnese (part.) - 1524 - Pisa, Duomo
Gi dal ferro traffitta io cado esangue. Iomoro,o Flavio, io manco,o Madre, iospiro, e l'estremo respiro di questo sen,che langue altro, altro da voi non chiede,che se costante amor ne strinse in terraci unisca in cielo un immutabil fede.
Madre di S. Agnese / Flavio
Sparsa d'horror mortale,Madre di S. Agnese
tu giaci o figlia al suolo,
Flavio
tu giaci Agnese al suolo,
Madre di S. Agnese / Flavio
ma con affanno eguale l'alma dal pettomio discioglie il volo.
Flavio
Tu dal ferro traffitta, io dal dolore.
Madre di S. Agnese
Tu martire dell'ira, et io d'amore.
-fine-
Pierced with the sword, I fall and am
bleeding. I am dying o Flavio, I am passing
away, O Mother. I breathe my last, but thevery last breathe of this breast that lan-
guishes, asks from you nothing else than
this. If constant love ever compelled on
earth, an unchanging faith will unite us in
heaven.
Mother of Saint Agnes / Flavio
Scattered mortal horror,
Mother of Saint Agnes
O daughter, you lie in the soil,
Flavio
O Agnes, you lie in the soil,
Mother of Saint Agnes / Flavio
but with equal torment, my soul takes flight
from this breast.
Flavio
You, pierced by the sword, I by the grief.
Mother of Saint Agnes
You martyr of wrath, and I of love.
- the end -
3
THE PROGRAM
Church of Saint Agnes - 548 Lafo
Frid
St. Marys Chapel at the St. Paul Seminary - 2260 SummSaturd
Giovanni Battista Vitali
(1644 c.1692)
Bernardo Pasquini
(1637 1710)
Sinfonia a Sei
SantAgnese Oratorio
for five voices, two violin
and Basso continuo
Parte Prima
Parte Secunda
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
4/14
4
C O N S O R T I U M C A R I S S I M Isquisita musica strumentale ed eccellente musica vocale. Pompilio Totti Ritratto di Roma1638
- Presentation -
Consortium Carissimi was founded in Rome, Italy in 1996, with the mission ofuncovering and bringing to modern day ears, through live concerts, master classes,
recordings and publications, the long-forgotten early Italian baroque music of the 16th
and 17th centuries. Consortium Carissimi consists of ten to thirty musicians that includesingers (soprano, alto, countertenor, tenor, bass-baritone and period instruments
(theorbo, violins, harpsichord, organ, and viola di gamba).
Why named after Carissimi? Among the various types of music that flourished
in Rome during the 16th and 17th century, the oratories of Giacomo Carissimi are
examples of the most outstanding form of composition of that time. ConsortiumCarissimi bears the name of the famous composer whose music was known for itssimple, fresh new approach to text, melody and accompaniment.
Of great importance is the performance of sacred and secular music that is
transcribed from manuscript or early print sources. The unique strength that ConsortiumCarissimi provides is in the performance of these long-forgotten works since much ofthis music has not been heard since the 17 th century. It is only through transcriptions
that this music may be heard by 21 st century audiences; transcriptions held byConsortium Carissimi. Currently, there are no other organizations in the United Statesthat have these transcriptions in their possession.
Consortium Carissimi contributes to the cultural vitality of the community infour key ways: Manuscript transcription and publication; Consortium Carissimi is theonly organization in the United States that has in its library transcriptions over 200manuscripts of this time period, including the complete works of Giacomo Carissimi.
Educational programs; Consortium Carissimi conducts master classes with educationalinstitutions, both in and out of state. Master classesinclude intense studies of vocal andinstrumental practices of 17th century Rome. Performances; the ensemble of mixed
voices and instruments performs three concerts annually of repertoire from the Italian-
Roman sacred and secular music of the 16 th and 17th century. Recordings; Consortium
Carissimiextends public access to and knowledge of this musical tradition through
digital recordings. Consortium Carissimis unique commitment to the Italian works ofthe 16th and 17th is quickly establishing its role as an arts leader here at home and
abroad.
25
Nel seno d'un empio trionfi il rigore: conbarbaro scempio s'avventino strali difiamme letali; fomenti l'ardore la faced'Aletto ma contro il mio petto.
Ordisca il tiranno spietate ritorte:prepari ogni affano schernita possanza,con fiera sembianza diffonda la morte ilfreddo veleno, ma contro il mio seno.
Aspasio
Folli a gara chiedete i propri scempi, mad'Agnese i martiri fiano ai vostri delirihorridi esempi.
S. Agnese
Che pi tardi o mio cor con vaghi lampit'invita il rogo, e pur tu sei di gelo allefiamme, al cielo.
Flavio
O portento inaudito mira o mostroinfedele il rogo si divide, e le fiammeomicide solo d'amore accese, chinan
altere fronti al pi d'Agnese. E cangiandonatura crudo elemento ancora, il belcandor dell'innocenza adora.
Aspasio
Mora l'infida mora, e se magico incantovalse a destar piet nel foco istessorimanga un'empio cor, dal ferrooppresso.
S. Agnese
Cedo il core a dolci pene per rinascere a
quel bene, ch'in eterno adorer. MioGes discopri omai di tua luce i vaghirai, che nel grembo del tormento di
In the breast of the im
our. With barbarous s
hurled with lethal flam
of Alettos torch, but a
Devise, you tyrant, ruwith merciless strength
wild beast likeness, sp
of death, but against m
Aspasio
You foolishly ask in b
sacres, but may Agn
horrible example for y
Saint Agnes
My heart slowly invitcharming flashes, and
zen. To the flames and
Flavio
O unheard-of miracle!
monster, the homicid
love alone and the ro
Bow down, you haughof Agnes. Transform
means, like fire which
purity of innocence.
Aspasio
Die, treacherous girl,
enchantment avails to
in the fire itself imp
down with the sword.
Saint Agnes
I concede my heart t
reborn to that Good, weternity. My Jesus, un
ing beams with your l
of torment, I will die o
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
5/1424
S. Agnese / Flavio
Del sospirato ben, giunga alle mete.Chidi voi cari martiri mi dar la dolcepalma per beare i miei desiri, non pidimore, o pene, hora volate; e sarete aquest'alma,
S. Agnese
quanto veloci pi tanto pi grate,
Flavioquanto crudeli pi tanto pi grate.
Aspasio
Flavio, i deliri tuoi pongo in non cale;esci di cieco ardore folle tu sogni, e perte parla amore. In te maga crudel l'irarivolgo ecco il rogo bramato, gl'ardentimiei furori, nelle ceneri tue restinospenti, e del guardo adirato sian delitiepi care i tuoi tormenti.
Madre di S. AgneseSian delitie pi care i tuoi tormenti?Ferma figlia, deh ferma, e qualm'appresti in teatro d'horror tragicascena?
S. Agnese
Con affetti molesti, Madre qual'horritardi, di quest'alma i troffei, pi crudeld'ogni pena a me tu sei.
Madre di S. Agnese
Ai tormenti pi severi deh, t'involi ilpianto mio, e pi miti i tuoi pensieri siribellino al desio.
Saint Agnes / Flavio
Reach the goal of the longed-for good.
Which of you dear martyrs will give me the
sweet palm, with which I can make my joy
complete. No more delays, now fly away,
and you will be to this soul,
Saint Agnes
appreciated as much as you are quick,
Flavioappreciated as much as you are cruel.
Aspasio
Flavio, I submit that your infatuations
amount to nothing. Come out from the
blinding fervour, madly you dream thatlove speaks to you. To you, cruel witch, I
turn my anger. Here, your desired rogue.May my fiery raging be extinguished in
your ashes and in the angry face, may your
torments be your dearest delights.
Mother of Saint Agnes
May your torments be your dearest de-lights? Stop, my daughter. In what theatre
of horrors do you prepare for such a tragic
scene?
Saint Agnes
With troublesome sufferings, Mother, you
are more cruel than any other torment as
you delay this souls trophies.
Mother of Saint Agnes
Might my cry save you from the worstpains possible, and your mighty thoughts
against rebel desire.
5
- Program Notes -
Bernardo Pasquini is mostly known today for his keyboa
prolific composer of vocal music which included: 18 operas, 15cantatas, and a number of motets. In spite of the success of thes
lifetime, this repertoire is rarely programmed in concerts today and
to find in recordings.
Bernardo came to Rome in 1650 and there pursued his entir
and composer, he was employed by several different Churches (Chdei Francesi, S. Marcello, S. Maria in Aracoeli, S. Maria Maggioreroles within the major cultural circles such as the entourage of ChrColonna Family, the Ottoboni Family and of course the Pamphilj F1666, Pasquini was permanently employed at the services of PBorghese. Together with Corelli and Alessandro Scarlatti, he was athe Arcadia. It is also to be remembered the importance of Pasquinistudents were some of the more illustrious musicians of the time
Zipoli...).
Pasquinis fame was well established along the Danube, and
was much-accustomed to Italian cultural activities of guest artistsdramatic composition was between the years of 1670 and 1680. Wi
Oratorio genre, his creations were sought after outside Roman c
were made in cities such as Florence, Modena, Naples and Vienna.
As a result, the premier performance of the Saint Agnes OrVienna during Lent of 1678. In this, the 300 th anniversary of hi
Carissimi will celebrate Pasquinis life through the music of the Sain
Saints tend to find themselves on church calendars where
completely unnoticed. Saint Agnes (like St Cecilia) is situated in ea
period when persecution was still common. Very few details are
lives of Saints that lived so long ago, but devotion to them h
speculate, in artistic terms, about the lives they may have lived. Theoratories like this one, was entrusted to librettists more or less pro
occur at times that these texts were written by famous patrons.
example a creation of Cardinal Benedetto Pamphilj, known for theatrical and musical passions, and as numerous others of the R
hierarchy members, was given to the writing out of not only sacred as well.
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
6/146
Here is a short Synopsis: Agnes lived in Rome (300 c.e.) and although the detailsof her life vary with the interpretation of those who recant it, the essence of her life and
pilgrimage remain the same. At age 13, Agnes already knew that her lifes calling wasto serve God. She died under the Diocletian persecutions when she refused the courtship
of the son (Flavio) of a Roman judge.
The judge sentenced her to be stripped and placed on public display but God
covered her nudity with her hair and sent a gown to her by an angel. Flavio was struck
down by lightening when he tried to touch Agnes, but she interceded for him. Upon
reviving, he converted to Christianity.
The Judge was so outraged he condemned Agnes to death by burning at thestake. Instead of devouring her, the flames bow down to her. Unable to kill her by
flame, the young girl is slain by the sword. She does not die before singing of faith and
love.
Garrick Comeaux
Artistic Director
A special thanks to
Fr. John Ubel, our host at the Church of Saint Agnes,
Fr. Tom Margevicius, our host at the St. Paul Seminary,
to Bill Mathis and Hennepin United Methodist Churchfor the use of their portative organ,
to Bruce Jacobs for the use of his harpsichord,
to Beth Nunnally, Robert Hayes, Don Livingston and Elisabeth Comeaux,
for their patience, organizational skills, time and efforts.
Look for future concert programming under our Future Concertssection at our website:www.consortiumcarissimi.org
23
S. Agnese
Venghino a mille a mille in me gl'affanniagl'incendi, alle pene a'i ceppi, allecatene l'empiet mi condanni, che aquest'alma fedel sar il tormento neve alsol, piume al foco, e polve al vento.
Flavio
L'alma oh Dio, ch tuo dono, a te sirenda, in me l'ira si volga, per me il rogos'accenda, dispietata pietade a me nontolga far in nobil tenzone de pi crudimartiri un serto al crine, ostri, scettri,corone d'effimera grandezza pretiositormenti, aure e ruine, l'alma, che vidisprezza sciolta dal fragil velo sovrapira di stelle rinascer nova Fenice incielo.
S. Agnese
Pigri momenti, oh Dio.Flavio
Cari tormenti, oh Dio.
S. Agnese / Flavio
Che pi, che pi tardate, il volo omaisciogliete,
S. Agnese
onde l'alma penante
Flavio
onde il mio core amante
Saint Agnes
Thousands of thousa
upon me, to the fires,
the logs, and to the cha
condemned me. To thment will be like snow
in the fire and dust in t
Flavio
O God, your gift, the
you, for wrath is tur
rogue is aflame. Do n
lentless compassion, battle, to the most cru
land on the head, pur
large fleeting crowns
breezes and fury. Thethis, free from the fra
the pyre of stars, wi
Phoenix in the heaven
Saint Agnes
Tardy moments, O Go
Flavio
Dear moments, O God
Saint Agnes / Flavio
The more you delay
flight,
Saint Agnes
my paining soul
Flavio
my loving soul
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
7/1422
Aspasio
Nel tuo sen generoso figlio della ragionregni il rigore.
Prefetto
Amore e Astrea mi taccian d'ingiusto; prole, ma rea, son padre, ma giusto.Aspasio il cor, chin tua virt saffida
dellempio culto a te la strage assegna,che dove impera il duol, ragion nonregna, adora il figlio una bellezza infida,more, e nemico ai sommi Dei rinasce: itumulti e le grida odo del volgo a mieruine intento, onde in un sol momentoper affliger questalma un la sorte
amore, infedelt, congiure e morte.
Aspasio
D'aspro duol non sia ricetto nobil pettodel mio brando ai lampi e all'ire fuganl'ombre del timor, e se un Idra il tuo
martire fia l'Alcide il mio rigor.
Rida omai nel cor, che geme dolce spemelanguir quel empio ardire, che di vita ario dolor, e se un Idra il tuo martire fial'Alcide il mio rigor.
Su, su ministri fieri eccitate l'ardor difiamma ultrice, e provi alma infelice sepi pesante il giogo di regger scetri, od'avvampar nel rogo.
Aspasio
In your generous breast, reign with rigour
which is the son of reason.
Prefect
Love and Astrea accuse me of injustice, he
is my son, but guilty, I am his father, but
just. Aspasio, I entrust my heart to you toassign the massacre of this impious cult,
for where grief is Emperor, reason does not
reign. My son adores a beautiful but treach-
erous young girl, he dies and then is reborn
an enemy to the Almighty Gods. I can hearthe voice of the populace who are intent on
my ruin. Fate, in one quick instance to
harm me, has joined forces with love, un-
faithfulness, conspiracy and death.
Aspasio
Might not the remedy for harsh pain in anoble breast be my sword, for the shadows
of fear take flight at the lightening flashes
and ire. If martyred by an Idra, may Alcidebe my severity.
Laugh on now, for in this heart that groans
sweet hope, soon will grow dim, the impi-ous boldness which gave life to evil tor-
ment. If martyred by an Idra, may Alcidebe my severity.
Up and away, you proud ministers! Rouse
the ardour of the final flames. Put to thetest, this unhappy soul, and see which is
heavier, the yoke of holding the sceptre or
burning in the rogue.
7
Flavio
Chi nasce gl'Imperi con l'aure vitalirespira i piaceri in cune reali, l'accoglie ildiletto se il mondo soggetto nascendomir. Le mete ai contenti prefigge suabrama, ma poscia ai tormenti se amore lochiama, gioisca se pu.
Tal di Quirin s le famose arene, ove iltemuto Padre del gran Giove Romanooccupa il trono, leggi prescrivo, eprigioniero io sono; che per ordirmi alcor dure catene fabbro d'inganni amore,con lucide rapine ad Agnese invol, gl'oridel crine.
Prefetto
Flavio, Flavio, diletta prole, quald'occulto martir nube funesta turba il
seren del core, e l'alma infesta? Se ditesori e gemme vago il desio si duole,nell'Indiche maremme suddite al tuo volerl'albe stillanti pretiosi per te versano ipianti.
Flavio
Vaghe gemme, che dal gelo diffondete irai lucenti; ricche perle, che del cielosiete lacrime ridenti; la belt, che'l senm'accese, come oscura i vostri vanti, se alfulgor, che sparge Agnese ombre son
perle e diamanti.
Flavio
Born into the Empir
vours, one breathes t
streets and receives t
upon, only when boThe destiny of the h
birth, but should lov
agony, let him rejoice
I, from Quirin, am su
famous ruins, wherethe great Roman J
throne. I appoint law
oner. Love, the black
has flown to Agnes
with hard chains to he
Prefect
Flavio, beloved son,
of hidden torments t
serenity and infests you grieve of desircharming jewels, the
your beckoning, an
drops at dawn, they
you.
Flavio
Charming jewels, yo
shining rays as from
pearls, you fall smi
the sky. The beauty set my breast on fir
glories, for compare
which Agnes sheds,
are but mere ghosts.
- Italian Text Translations -
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
8/148
Prefetto
Se t'offre il crin fortuna, se a stabilirtihonori d'ogni stella gl'influssi il cieloaduna, se leggi imponi alla belt cheadori, perch nel fosco ciglio di sognatomartir s'aggira un'ombra? Spera, dehspera o figlio, che d'Imeneo la face d'ognicura mordace il vel disgombra.
Quando un'alma diffeso rimira lo scettro,che stringe da sorte fedel, se tra gl'ostri, ele pompe sospira il fato costringe a farsicrudel.
Chi tra i lampi di soglie gemmate, colpianto distrugge la gioia del sen, sembraun'angue con spoglie dorate, che i fiori,che sugge converte in velen.
Madre di S. Agnese
Qui dove bagna il Tebro l'augusto piede
alla citt di Marte o quante gratie il cieloAgnese, amata figlia a noi comparte. Madal materno zelo tali stimoli io provo,onde non sento colma di tante gioie il corcontento.
S. Agnese
Svela o Madre, deh svela qual trafigga iltuo cor pensier tiranno si scema il duolcol palesar l'affanno.
Prefect
If fortune is awarded you, and heaven
amasses all the powers of the stars and
entrusts to you these honours; if you im-
pose the law on the beauty that you love,why then in your sullen face, roams a
ghost of fantasised torment? Hope, my
son, hope that the light of the God of mar-
riage may lift the veil of all biting zeal.
When a soul well defended by the sceptrereconsiders and should sigh even among
the purple and magnificence, then fate it-
self is forced to be merciless.
A soul that destroys the hearts joy with
tears upon crossing a jewel embedded
threshold is like a serpent, turning all the
flowers it tastes, into poison.
Mother of Saint Agnes
Here where the Tiber bathes the venerable
foot of the city of Mars, o how manygraces heaven bestows on us, o Agnes, my
beloved daughter. But my motherly zeal is
tried, since I dont sense that your heart is
happy and full of all these joys.
Saint Agnes
Unveil to me, Mother, the tormenting
thought that has wounded your heart, re-veal it to lessen the pain and to ease your
breathlessness.
21
Prefetto
Di mie pene crudeli sgravato appena iltormentoso incarco, con accenti infedelifiglio a nuovo dolor tu m'apri il varco.
Aspasio
Signor non pi dimore, ch'ai ministri deltempio il volgo unito gi volge a danni
tuoi l'armi e'l furore.Prefetto
Che ascolto o Dei?
Aspasio
Lo scempio appena udito, che magicaempiet f di tua prole la plebe accorse avendicar intesa l'onta del genitor, del ciell'offesa.
Poscia in udir, che del tuo duolo aiprieghi di possanza infernal forza rubellanel sen di Flavio infonde con sacrilega f
vita novella.Prefetto
Segui, che fia.
Aspasio
L'amor cangiato in ira, chi vendicarbram, punir sospira. Signor chi lento, incastigar l'eccesso del fallo, che soffri, fareo se stesso.
Prefetto
Discordi pensieri, ch'l cor dividete, oardite pi fieri, o miti tacete. Amore e
Astrea mi taccian d'ingiusto; e prole, prole, ma rea, son padre, ma giusto.
Prefect
Just unburdened of my
painful weight, with
Son, you would again
woe.
Aspasio
Sir, no more delays. have united with the m
ple and are already dir
anger, to harm you.
Prefect
O gods, what am I hea
Aspasio
This havoc just heamagic has been done
reason why the populathe fathers disgrace
heaven. Afterwards, w
your pains at the praye
lious power poured
new life of sacrilegiou
Prefect
Continue, then what?
Aspasio
Love transformed into
sires for revenge, pun
slow to castigate the
fence, is a criminal him
Prefect
Discordant thoughts,heart in two, o ventur
lent you mighty. Lov
me of injustice, he is
am his father, but just.
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
9/14
20
S. Agnese
Signor l'humil preghiera figlia di pura fnella stellata sfera mai consegu merc lasua clemenza i voti miei secondi. Scuoprila tua potenza togli a morte le prede, e irei confondi.
Se mai sovra le stelle priego mortal vol,spirare aure novelle, gelato sen vedr.A'i miei desiri tua gratia oh Dio diffondi,
accogli i miei sospiri, fredde spoglieravviva e i rei confondi.
Prefetto
Ma qual novo portento il guardo ammira,son desto, o pur la speme cari sognidipinge al cor che geme. Figlio dal tuobel volto si, ch'io veggio sparir l'ombremortali porgon l'aure vitali moto allemembra esangue, e i dolci accenti, cheda tuoi labri ascolto gi richiamano invita i miei contenti.
Flavio
Immenso Dio, che sol te stesso intendi, ein conoscer te stesso nume produci a temedesmo eguale, e mentre al tuo riflessodi reciproco amor le fiamme accendispira quel dolce spirto immortale, tu seidel ciel su la gemmata sede basealleternit meta alla fede.
Finch unalma i suoi fulgori cela inlimiti penosi di caduca humanit, confantasmi tenebrosi idear non pu i tesoridi serena eternit.
Saint Agnes
O Lord, in the starry realm humble prayer
daughter of pure faith, indulge my desiresof clemency for him, who has never at-
tained mercy. Reveal your power, take the
prey away from death and confuse the
wicked.If ever a mortal prayer flew above the stars,
blow early breezes, and I will see my soul
freeze. To my desires O God, diffuse yourgrace, hear my sighs, reanimate the coldspoils and confuse the wicked.
Prefect
What new prodigy am I witnessing? Am I
awake or is it simply hope painting deardreams for a groaning heart? In your face,
my Son, I can see deaths shadows disap-
pear, as lively breezes give motion again to
your bleeding body. I hear the sweet mur-muring from your lips which brings back
my peace of mind.
FlavioO great God, you who alone can know
yourself, and in knowing yourself you pro-
duce god of your own equal, and while inyour reflection of reciprocal love you
breathe the sweet immortal spirit. You who
are in heaven and seated on the jewelled
throne, are the eternal foundation of the
goal of faith.
Until the souls splendours are hidden in
the painful limitations of human frailty, itcannot conceive of the treasures of eternal
serenity with these dark ghosts.
9
Madre di S. Agnese
Di falsi numi a stabilir la sede reggemostro infernal scettro inumano.
E sull'altar d'un idolo profano svena diCristo empio rigor la fede. Se Cesaret'impone offrir a sordi marmi arabifumi, in s fiera tenzone come celarpotrai legge, e costumi.
Se ne l'arco d'un orrido ciglio il trionfospieg l'empiet, fredda tema di prontoperiglio, ogni core, soggetto si fa.
A gl'assalti di barbaro sdegno cedevinto, ogni sesso ogni et, chi di straggifa base al suo regno, non distinguevirtude o belt.
A fronte dun tiranno in van si finge,onde a me si dipinge crudo pensiero adinvolar mia pace in procelloso mar qualpino audace.
S. Agnese
Come in serena calma fia, che rimangaun cor fedele assorto ove nocchiero l'alma, cinosura la croce, il cielo, porto.
Madre di S. Agnese
Pavento.
S. Agnese
Di che.
Madre di S. Agnese
In grembo al tormento.
S. AgneseTrionfa la f.
Mother of Saint Agnes
An inhuman monster
seat for False Gods to ru
On the altar of a pagan
pious harshness the faiCesar order you to offe
deaf and dumb marble
your Christian faith in s
If triumph looses hatre
every heart becomes a
fear of imminent dange
To such proud and b
ages and sexes surrend
founds his Kingdom o
regard for virtue and be
It is useless to pretend
rant, and my peace va
thought, like an audaci
pestuous sea.
Saint Agnes
As in serene calmness,absorbed with faith w
pilot, the cross is the
heavens, the port.
Mother of Saint Agnes
I fear.
Saint Agnes
For what?
Mother of Saint Agnes
Torment in my womb.
Saint AgnesFaith will triumph!
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
10/14
10
Madre di S. Agnese
Inerme il tuo petto.
S. Agnese
Mio scudo virt.
Madre di S. Agnese
D'un empio l'aspetto
S. Agnese
serena Gies.Madre di S. Agnese
Fra dure ritorte,
S. Agnese
si pena un momento.
Madre di S. Agnese
A fronte di morte,
S. Agnese
si avviva il contento.
Madre di S. AgneseMa se il timor non fa mendace il guardo,del preside crudel non lungi io veggol'altera prole, e il consiglier malvaggio:fuggi figlia il tuo scempio che espressoin fronte al fiero Aspasio io leggo ilsembiante d'un empio qual d'accesovapor torbido crine sparge l dove apparcerte ruine.
Aspasio
Flavio qual fosco velo d'insolito dolort'adombra il volto? forse stanco il cielo
di piover sul tuo crin gioie e contenti?
Mother of Saint Agnes
Defenceless is your breast.
Saint Agnes
My shield is virtue.
Mother of Saint Agnes
Although an impious appearance
Saint Agnes
I am at peace with Jesus.
Mother of Saint Agnes
Among hard trials,
Saint Agnes
one suffers only a moment.
Mother of Saint Agnes
In the face of death,
Saint Agnes
Happiness is enlivened.
Mother of Saint AgnesIf my fear does not betray and mislead my
eyes, I see not far off the proud son of theevil counsellor. Run, o daughter, for your
havoc is written on the face of Aspasio, in
whose face I see likeness of the wicked.
The turbid vapours flush his face and
spread to certain ruin.
Aspasio
Falvio, what a grim veil of unusual painovershadows your face. Is heaven perhaps
tired to rain joy and happiness on your
head?
19
Flavio
Esca di vampa ardente ogni spirto in melangue, e quest'alma dolente niegagl'usati uffici al seno esangue.
Prefetto
Occhi miei che mirate? O figlio, oh Dio,sogno, veglio, vaneggio? Flavio preda dimorte? O ciel, che veggio? Se l'acerbomio fato si vago germe in sul fiorirrecide, come il dolor, perch'io gli moraal lato, reso parca pietosa hor nonm'uccide.
Ma se indelebile gl'affanni asprissimi sondel mio cor, mie luci flebili sudisciogliete fiumi amarissimi esommergete il mio dolor.
E se col piangere non si disanima penamortal. Perch per frangere nodo chelega nel petto l'anima l'ali non spiegaCloto il suo stral.
Ma gi ch'a me si toglie dar fin con lamia morte al mio martire tutte del cor ledoglie stimolo di vendetta hor cangi inire. In te Circe spietata, empia Medeal'ira cadr se del mio duol sei rea.
S. Agnese
Punir seppe il mio Dio, che de mortali sula libra d'Astrea l'opre misura col gel dimorte un impudica arsura.
Prefetto
Quel nume in cui delle rotanti sferesogna culto infedel l'altro governo, il cui
potere eterno altre mete non ha, ch'il suovolere renda se pu di sua possanza insegno, renda al paterno amor si caropegno.
Flavio
Every spirit in me lan
blaze. My pained sou
breast.
Prefect
What do my eyes see
am I dreaming, am I aheavens, what is this I
death? If my bitter
charming seed that blo
cut off, why doesnt t
me that I might die at
Should these harsh to
heart, o feeble eyes, d
ers and drown my grie
And with my tears, d
penalty of death. For
must break the knot th
breast and unbind its w
Since I cannot bring
ments, all my tormentinto anger against you
less Circe, impious M
fall if you are responsi
Saint Agnes
My God knew to punitals, measuring in Ast
chill of death with an i
Prefect
To this God of yours
again if he can, this
love.
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
11/14
18
Forse il cor, che delira qui crede oh Diodi fosche larve cinto l'ombra veder delsuo dolore estinto. Piango, peno, sospiro,avvampo e gelo ma d'amolir quel cor nonsi dan vanto, pene, gelo, sospiri, ardori epianto.
Non imperano i regnanti, quando hansuddito il voler; quella fiamma, chevorace pu distrugger l'altrui pace entro
il sen de folli amanti si fa rogo delpiacer.
Spesso un'alma in regio seno prigioniera del dolor, se d'ardori un cor si pasce ildiletto ha tomba in fasce ch'ove sparge ilsuo veleno crude morti infonde amor.
S. Agnese
Flavio tra queste soglie? Empio cimentoAgnese a te s'appresta. Per sottrarmiall'oltraggio di lascivo ardimento sposoimmortale il tuo favore invoco: inquest'ombra funesta, mio Dio deh
splenda un raggio di quell'eterno foco,che ministro fatal d'amore e d'ira algiusto cinosura, all'empio pira.
Flavio
Ma qual fiamma improvisa il senm'accende? Qual infocato dardo fere ilpetto, arde il core, abbaglia i lumi?Soccorso, aita, o numi; di timore edaffanno aghiaccio e ardo.
S. Agnese
Il castigo del ciel non giunge tardo.
Perhaps the infatuated heart here encircled
by shadows, believes, o God, to be extin-
guished through its pain by dark ghosts. Icry, I suffer, I sigh, I burn and I freeze, but
to soften that heart, no suffering, freezing,
sighing, or burning is of any use.
The regnant does not reign when its citizen
is desire, that voracious flame that can de-
stroy the peace of others, a rogue of pleas-
ure can be found in the breasts of foolishlovers.
Often a regal soul is a prisoner of pain. If
the heart is nourished by fervour, joy diesat birth and wherever love spreads her poi-
son, she infuses cruel death.
Saint Agnes
Flavio, within these walls? Impious danger,
comes to you Agnes. O God, immortal hus-
band, I invoke your favour to deliver me
from this affront of lascivious burning. Inthis woeful shadow, my God, shine a beam
of that eternal fire, fatal minister of loveand hate, North Star for the righteous, pyre
for the impious.
Flavio
What flame all of a sudden overtakes me?
What burning arrow has wounded my
breast? My heart is on fire, my eyes aredazzled. Succour! Help, o gods! I am freez-
ing and burning of fear and anxiety!
Saint Agnes
The chastisement from heaven is not tardy.
11
Flavio
Aspasio, oh Dio consenti, ch'io viva ingrembo al mio dolor sepolto.
Aspasio
Vanti la sorte alle tue brame ancella, epur folle sospiri?
Flavio
La mia sorte rubella mi condanna aimartiri se con lucido crin l'alma flagella.
Aspasio
Non ha vicende il Fato ove il voler d'unGrande legge espressa.
Flavio
E pur l'alma servile forza non ha perdominar se stessa.
Aspasio
Cede a cura s vile del presside latinl'inculto germe?
Flavio
Abbate ogni valor bellezza inerme.
Aspasio
Dunque d'amor avvampi?
Flavio
Ardo d'amore vero ai vaghi lampi delbel volto d'Agnese, e al chiaro lume sul'ali del pensiero il core amante farfalla
ardita incener le piume.
Flavio
O God Aspasio, gran
the womb of my pain
Aspasio
You boast the destin
and yet you still foolis
Flavio
My rebellious destiny
fer the flagellation of
hair.
Aspasio
When the desire of
pressed as the law, th
whatsoever.
Flavio
And yet the menial
with which to dominat
Aspasio
Why does the son oway to such vile worri
Flavio
The defenceless beau
bring down every valo
Aspasio
Are you are burning w
Flavio
Yes, I am burning wit
ing eyes of the beautithe wings of thought a
light, the lovers hearhas burned its wings.
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
12/14
12
Aspasio
Di tue brame al dolce impero la belt,che ti di morte offre il cor giprigioniero se l'innalza altera sorte oltrei voli del pensiero.
Non si duole irata Flora se di rose pivermiglio cielo amico il crin gl'infiora,non ricusan le conchiglie i bei piantidell'aurora.
Prefetto
Non pi sospiri, o Figlio, ecco sen vienechi del tuo cor pu raddolcir le pene.
Flavio
Bella, nel duol, ch'entro al mio petto iocelo scorgi il dolce poter di tuavaghezza come rimira il cielo nellesembianze tue la sua bellezza.
S. Agnese
Se il ciel ver me lucidi sguardi affissa,ne falli miei la sua piet ravvisa.
Vaga rosa, che fastosa nell'alba nutrfolle speme di vita immortale, tostolangue ch'l raggio vitale Febo ascondeall'occaso del d; e disperse le pompedel crine fa di spine all'estinta vaghezzail feretro, sia specchio un fiore a unabelt di vetro.
Quel ruscello, che rubello sua cunasprezz sommergendo del prato i tesori,tosto manca ch'in seno di Dori lasuperbia dell'onde dom: e se lascia traspiaggie tranquille poche stille, vivo
raggio di sole l'adugge, sia specchio unrivo a una belt che fugge.
Aspasio
Of your yearnings of the sweet empire, the
beauty which has slain you offers an already
imprisoned heart, if this proud destiny raises
it beyond the flight of thought.
The irate Flora does not complain if a
friendly sunset sky adorns her hair with
flowers, just like the conch that doesnt re-
fuse the weeping of the dawn.
Prefect
Dont sigh any more my Son, for she who
can sweeten your hearts pain is arriving.
Flavio
Agnes, in the pain I am hiding in my breast,
discover the sweet power of your beauty
and how heaven gazes into your face, re-
flecting its own beauty.
Agnes
If heaven fixes its gaze on me it only reveals
its glory through my faults.
The charming rose that believes to be im-
mortal at dawn, looses its petals at sunset
and discovers its own frailty, leaving only
the thorns on the stem.
In the same way, the river that overflows
and floods the treasure of the fields, soon
dries up, only to reveal a sad little puddle.
17
S. Agnese
gli bramo,
Flavio
il rogo,
S. Agnese
il mio trono,
Flavio
la morte.S. Agnese
la chiamo, che nel mortal periglio bramainnesti di palme un puro giglio.
parte seconda
S. Agnese
Vaghe stelle, che splendete, care mete dimia pace di quel sole opre voi siete, alcui raggio il cor si sface.
Ma ben che siate al core cinosure fedeliio priva di conforto sospiro oh Dio, fra leprocelle il porto.
Voi del ciel spirti amorosi dal suo frenol'alma sciogliete che gi mira i suoiriposi nelle sfere, che volgete.
Flavio
Amore ove mi guidi, e in qual di ciechiorrori impuro laberinto, per vagheggiarun sol Flavio s'aggira?
Agnes
I long for them,
Flavio
the rogue,
Agnes
is my throne,
Flavio
death?Agnes
I call to it, for in morta
palm trees long for a pu
second
Saint Agnes
Charming stars that sh
my peace, you who a
Sun whose rays melt th
Although you are faiheart, I, without com
tempestuous seas, I yea
You who are amorou
soul that aspires to y
body.
Flavio
Love, where are you t
impure labyrinth of un
der and yearn for the o
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
13/14
16
Flavio
La Fama.
S. Agnese
E' mendace.
Flavio
Lo Sposo.
S. Agnese
il mio Dio.Flavio
O folle desio, d'un alma crudel, e comenon sente a tanti sospiri favilla d'amoreun core di gel.
S. Agnese
Vaneggi, deliri.
S. Agnese / Flavio
a tanti sospiri,
S. Agnese
no, no che non sente favilla d'amore ilcore di gel.
Flavio
e come non sente favilla d'amore un coredi gel.
S. Agnese
O saggio desio, d'un alma fedel.
Flavio
O folle desio, d'un alma crudel. I numi,
S. Agnese
che sono,Flavio
gli scherni,
Flavio
Fame,
Agnes
it is mendacious.
Flavio
The husband,
Agnes
is my God.Flavio
O foolish desire of a cruel soul, and how
this heart of ice doesnt feel the sparks of
love in my sighs.
Agnes
You are raving and delirious,
Agnes/Flavio
for many longings,
Agnes
no, this heart of ice doesnt feel the sparksof love;
Flavio
and how this heart of ice doesnt feel the
sparks of love.
Agnes
O wise desire for a faithful soul.
Flavio
O foolish desire for a cruel soul. The gods,
Agnes
what are they,Flavio
derision,
13
Flavio
Mortal non chi nel bel guardo avvivacifre d'eternit gl'astri del polo: Flaviosol per te langue e brama solo meta delsuo penar tua stabil fede, onde a me siprescriva, o il gel di morte o d'Imeneo leTede.
S. Agnese
Se il pi candido fiore di pudica onest
germe innocente al sovrano motore offr'iopegno d'amor mia fede ardente come,come poss'io per darlo ad huomo fralritorlo a Dio?
Aspasio
Con voci di contenti amor t'invita allegrandezze al soglio, e pur l'alma smarritadel tuo ciglio sereno ecclissa i rai, o cielchi vide mai nocchier, che il fieroorgoglio vinse d'ogn'austro infido,valicati gl'Egei perir nel lido.
S. Agnese
Nuda balza che in seno nasconde miniereprofonde paga sol dell'interna ricchezza, ifreggi disprezza dell'erbe dei fior, cosserti fugaci al crin non chiede chinell'alma racchiude oro di fede.
Prefetto
Gi che sdegna il tuo petto di fortuna ed'amor le faci e gl'ostri involati al mioaspetto e di vesta nei chiostri travolontari affanni traggi vedovi i d, sterili
gli anni.
Flavio
He who restores the sp
of the stars, cannot b
and desire your stabl
only aspire to either th
the joy of matrimony.
Agnes
If the most candid flow
and innocent seed I off
of my burning faithMover, how can I th
give it to mortal man?
Aspasio
With joyous voices, yoin grandeur and yet t
soul eclipse in the sere
one has ever seen a gre
vived the tempestuou
shallow waters near th
AgnesA simple trimmed f
deep mines in the breinterior riches. The orn
the flowers of the gra
ding garlands on the h
might hold in their sou
Prefect
Vanish from my sighwho disdain the purp
and love. Fly to the clo
life with voluntary tro
your days, and sterile a
8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010
14/14
14
S. Agnese
Per dar freggi innocenti col virginal miogiglio all'alma ai sensi fia chiostro il senpudico; ai marmi algenti arda cultoinfedel profani incensi.
Flavio
Adoro i marmi vero, che insegnaall'alma al tuo volere ancella i freddi
marmi idolatrare amore, se nel tuo senoo bella urna della mia speme un marmo il core.
Prefetto
Un delirio inevitabile destar deve entroal mio core la sopita crudelt, alimentiira implacabile, l'arco impugni di fierorigore nel mio petto schernita piet.
Una fiamma inestinguibile con la vita,con la vita d'un infida strugga ancoraun'empia f, soffrir scempio insoffribile
nel rigore di pena homicida chi del cieloribelle si fe.
Chi spettatrice Roma non cur de suoifasti tra impure frine entro lascive soglieesposta all'altrui voglie spettacolodivenga a Roma, al mondo. Folle, sedisprezzasti non che prospera sorte inumi istessi; il tuo seno pudico, ben tostodiverr teatro immondo, e nell'incultachioma succederanno ai mirti atricipressi.
Agnes
In order to give to the soul innocent deco-rations with my virginal lily, may my
chaste breast be the cloisters for the senses;
and the unfaithful worship burns with pa-
gan incense to the cold marbles.
Flavio
It is true, I worship marble statues becauseLove teaches my soul to adore the marble,
since in your breast, o beautiful urn of myhope, your heart is of marble and tomb of
my hope.
Prefect
An unavoidable delirium, for the sleeping
cruelty must be aroused in my heart, tofeed this implacable ire and grasp the bow
with proud rigour. Within my breast, pity is
a mockery.
An inextinguishable flame, with the life of
a treacherous girl, still consumed with im-
pious faith. For she who has made herself a
rebel of heaven, will suffer insufferableruin in the rigour of penal homicide.
Those who have never cared for Romes
Fasti or her glories, become a spectacle for
Rome and the entire world as they are ex-
posed to the desires of others. Mad are you,if you despise not only a prosperous des-
tiny, but the gods themselves. Your chaste
breast soon will become a filthy theatre and
in your coarse, long hair, the dark cy-
presses will succeed to the myrtle.
15
Flavio
Cos del suo cordoglio sar dura cagioneun cor di scoglio.
Di tua f delirante con pi saggio desiol'error correggi. Mira delle tue leggi gireso il Tebro adorator costante.
Nel tuo volto bandito il rigore splenda unraggio d'amica piet che d'un soleall'amato splendore nova clitia il mio
core sar.Agl'albori di dolce speranza dal mio senosparisca il timor, e trionfi un invittacostanza dell'asprezza, di rigido cor.
S. Agnese
Del Tebro apprendo al mormorar fugace,che ci che alletta e piace qual'ondafugge, e che l'human desio pace non ha,se non la cerca in Dio.
Flavio
Udisti a qual oltraggio se stessa esponga
il tuo voler si crudo.S. Agnese
D'inerme purit la croce scudo.
Flavio
La Gloria.
S. Agnese
E' fugace.
Flavio
La Madre
S. Agnese
L'oblio.
Flavio
This hardened heart w
for its own pain.
With a wiser desire, your delirious faith.
and see the Tiber in co
Banished in your fac
shines a ray of friendl
transformed into a new
On the dawn of sweet pears from my breast,
defeated rigid heart
harshness.
Agnes
I hear a fleeting murmthat all that charms and
waves and that human
if not sought in God.
Flavio
Did you not hear the
you?Agnes
The cross is the shield
rity.
Flavio
The glory,
Agnes
is fleeting.
Flavio
The mother,
Agnes
I will forget her.