L'Orfeo - Messenger: "In un fiorito prato"

"In un fiorito prato..." - the "Messenger scene" from Act II of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo: favola in musica.

Singers:
Melisa "Mimi" Bonetti, Shepherdess
Rachel, Sylvia/Mesaggiera/Ninfa
Chad Smyser, Orfeo

Filmed May 2nd, Closing night of the 2009 Aaron Copland School of Music produciton of L'Orfeo. With the combined efforts of Choir, Opera Studio, Collegium, and Baroque Ensemble.

Text:
In un fiorito prato, con l'altre sue compagne,
Giva cogliendo fiori,
Per farne una ghirlanda a le sue chiome.

Quand' angue insidioso (ch'era fra l'erbe ascoso)
Le punse un pie con velenoso dente

Ed ecco, immantinente scolorirsi il bel viso-
E ne 'suoi lumi sparir que' lampi
Che ond' ella al sol fea scorno.

Allor', noi tutte sbigottite e meste le fummo intorno
richiamar tentando gli spirti in lei smarriti
Con l'onda fresca, e con possenti carmi
Ma - nulla valse! Ahi Lass!

Ch'ella i languidi lumi alquanto aprendo
E te chiamando, Orfeo, ORFEO!

Dopo un grave sospiro - Spiro fra queste braccia
Ed io rimasi. Piena il cor di pietade, e di spavento.

Special thanks:
David Ronis, Director
James John, Conductor
Bruce Norris, Musical Preparation/Diction

and especially Christa Patton, Arpa Doppio (Baroque Harp), for her hard work and dedication as musical coach and head of the continuo section.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• monteverdi
• orfeo
• l'orfeo
• mesaggiera
• messenger
• sylia
• euridice
• baroque
• opera
• soprano
• theater
• lefrak
• queens
• college
• christa
• patton
• susan
• hellauer
• rachel

[sharky123]

This is simply exquisite in every way. EVERY way. The production looks stunning and it does my heart a world of good to see this level of achievement in so young a singer (and group of musicians generally). Brava! I look forward to more.

[MainelyMusic18]

This is superbly done. You obviously have a natural talent for this type of music--this amount of expression and feeling for the style cannot be learned. And this is NOT an easy part, by any stretch of the imagination. It's very recitative-like, which is extremely difficult to make musical and interesting, but you did both. In fact, it was captivating. I look forward to seeing you in the future as you grow and progress as a singer. BRAVA!!

[Baritondancer78]

beautiful voice, beautiful girl, Your performance was very realistic but the others not so much because was like frozen or something. but The realy important here is the hard work you did for do this wonderful opera. brava P.D. sorry about my english I´m from Venezuela and my inglish is not very good, bye bye them

[AlainNaigeon]

Wonderful!

[chrispa23]

Good for you Rachel! I finally got to watch. Thanks for posting.

Christa