Andreas Scholl & Anna Caterina Antonacci - Handel - Rodelinda - Io T'abbraccio

Andreas Scholl & Anna Caterina Antonacci - Handel - Rodelinda - Io T'abbraccio
Glyndebourne, 1998.
Conductor - William Christie


Original text:

Io t'abbraccio
E più che morte, aspro e forte,
è pel cor mio questo addio,
che il tuo sen dal mio divide.

Ah mia vita, ah mio tesoro,
se non moro,
è più tiranno quell'affanno,
che dà morte, e non uccide.

********************
English:
I embrace you.
And more bitter and harsh
than death to my heart is this farewell
which tears us apart.

Ah, my life! Ah, my treasure!
If I do not die, then how cruel is
that distress which brings death,
but does not kill.

*****************************
German:

Ich umarme dich,
und herber und heftiger
als der Tod ist für mein Herz jenes Lebewohl,
das meine Brust von der deinen trennt.

Ach, mein Leben! Ach, mein Schatz!
Tyrannischer als zu sterben ist es,
jenen Schmerz zu ertragen,
der den Tod bringt, aber nicht tötet.

********************
Russian:

Я обнимаю тебя,
Страшнее смерти, жестокой и сильной,
Моему сердцу это «прощай»,
Отрывающее тебя от моей груди.

Ах, жизнь моя! Ах, мое сокровище!
пусть я не умираю,
мучительней сие страданье,
чем смерть несет, и оное не убивает.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Andreas
• Scholl
• Anna
• Caterina
• Antonacci
• Handel
• Haendel
• Rodelinda
• Io
• T'abbraccio
• countertenor
• classical
• aria
• duet
• opera
• seria
• Baroque
• William
• Christie
• soprano

[RussianDivas]

These two have more sexual tension in this performance than Netrebko and Villazon will ever have rolling around in their underwear. How restrained, yet how passionate!

[endrrahene]

I'm one of those people who prefers to listen to rather than watch opera because I usually find the staging and the over-the-top acting distracting, but this duet has to be watched as well as listened to in order to be fully appreciated. I love how they react to each other, how he gently holds her even during the difficult vocal parts. Just wonderful mise en scene. A unique experience tha brings everything together and just takes your (well, my) breath away.

[endrrahene]

I completely agree with you. Iestyn Davies was a very pleasant revelation and I'm looking forward to following his singing.

[JRZGRL55]

I think a major problem with the Met production was the sets - I think they swallowed Andreas's voice. I absolutely adore Andreas so I too was disappointed (I saw the production via HD Simulcast). What was exceptionally good about the Met production was Iestyn Davies - I now have a new countertenor to watch. I agree with you that I don't think that Renee & Andreas were a good fit.

[leika18]

Hermoso!!! Me alegro de haber encontrado esta versión, es una belleza!!

[seminoleseminole1]

What a GORGEOUS piece of music by Handel

[Adamodevadam]

One of the greatest duets I've ever seen.

[dancostan]

@Blivetmaker

I totally agree!

[annyfenton1]

David Hansen and Emma Matthews where are you? I'd love to see YOU singing this divine aria!

[avecantarina]

Maravillosa esta producción. Todos estan a la altura, ACA es una gran artista, conmovedora y Andreas fabuloso. GRACIAS por compartir este video. Es una fiesta par el oido y la vista. Thank you so much, thank you LoRau.

[endrrahene]

Just one suggestion: though 'I embrace you" is a technically correct translation, it is more emotionally resonant in English to say "I take you in my arms." "Embrace" is a latin derivate and stylistically latin derviates are more for the head than the heart. "I take you in my arms," provokes a stronger emotional reaction than "I embrace you" which may sound more elegant than the plain English but it also sounds colder and more abstract.

[endrrahene]

I went to see Rodelinda at the Met because I loved this production so much, but was very disappointed. This was a moment of grace. I don't know about Antonacci, but I don't think Scholl will have another like it. I think he really needs the support of his singing partners. Perhaps you have to hear him sing this with someone else to fully appreciate how beautifully Antonacci supports him here. Furthermore, they match each other's elegant restraint and understatement. Just superb and very special.