Scherza Infida: A Heartbreaking Aria from Handel's Ariodante - Classic FM
Handel Ariodante Scherza Infida PDF Download: A Guide for Music Lovers
If you are a fan of baroque opera, you have probably heard of Ariodante, one of the most celebrated works by George Frideric Handel. And if you have listened to Ariodante, you have probably been moved by Scherza Infida, one of the most beautiful and tragic arias ever written. But do you know how to download Scherza Infida in PDF format so that you can enjoy it anytime and anywhere? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Ariodante and Scherza Infida, and how to download them in PDF format.
handel ariodante scherza infida pdf download
Introduction
Ariodante is an opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel, based on a libretto by Antonio Salvi, which was adapted from an episode in Ludovico Ariosto's epic poem Orlando Furioso. It was first performed at the Covent Garden Theatre in London on January 8, 1735, and was a great success. It is considered one of Handel's finest operas, along with Giulio Cesare, Rodelinda, and Alcina.
Scherza Infida is an aria from the second act of Ariodante, sung by the title character, a Scottish prince who is betrothed to Princess Ginevra. In this aria, Ariodante laments his fate after he has been deceived by the villain Polinesso, who has made him believe that Ginevra has been unfaithful to him. He expresses his despair and grief with poignant words and music, and contemplates suicide.
If you want to download Scherza Infida in PDF format, you will need to find a reliable source that offers high-quality sheet music for free or for a reasonable price. You will also need to make sure that the file is compatible with your device and software, and that it does not contain any viruses or malware. In this article, we will show you how to do that.
Ariodante: A Masterpiece of Baroque Opera
The plot and characters of Ariodante
The opera is set in Scotland during the Middle Ages. The main characters are:
Ariodante, a Scottish prince and the hero of the opera.
Ginevra, the daughter of King of Scotland and Ariodante's fiancée.
Polinesso, the Duke of Albany and the villain of the opera. He is in love with Ginevra and plots to ruin her reputation and marry her.
Dalinda, a lady-in-waiting to Ginevra and Polinesso's accomplice. She is secretly in love with Polinesso and agrees to help him in his scheme.
Lurcanio, Ariodante's brother and a loyal friend.
Odoardo, a confidant of the King of Scotland.
The plot revolves around the love triangle between Ariodante, Ginevra, and Polinesso. Polinesso, who is jealous of Ariodante and Ginevra's happiness, devises a plan to make Ariodante think that Ginevra is cheating on him with Polinesso. He persuades Dalinda, who resembles Ginevra, to dress up as Ginevra and meet him in her chamber at night. He then arranges for Ariodante and Lurcanio to witness the scene from a distance. Ariodante, believing that he has seen Ginevra with Polinesso, falls into despair and disappears. Polinesso then accuses Ginevra of infidelity and demands her hand in marriage. The King of Scotland, who trusts Polinesso, agrees to the proposal, but Ginevra refuses and protests her innocence. She is then put on trial and sentenced to death. Meanwhile, Ariodante, who has survived a suicide attempt, returns with the help of a mysterious knight, who turns out to be Polinesso's rival. They challenge Polinesso to a duel and kill him. Dalinda, who has realized her mistake, confesses the truth and clears Ginevra's name. Ariodante and Ginevra are reunited and forgiven by the King of Scotland. The opera ends with a chorus of joy and celebration.
The musical style and structure of Ariodante
Ariodante is a typical example of opera seria, a genre of Italian opera that flourished in the 18th century. Opera seria was characterized by serious plots, noble characters, elaborate costumes and scenery, and virtuosic singing. It usually consisted of three acts, each divided into several scenes. The scenes alternated between recitatives and arias. Recitatives were sung dialogues that advanced the plot and expressed the emotions of the characters. Arias were solo songs that reflected on the situation or the feelings of the characters. Arias were usually in da capo form, which means that they had three sections: A-B-A. The first section (A) presented the main melody and lyrics. The second section (B) contrasted with the first section in terms of key, mood, and lyrics. The third section (A) repeated the first section with some variations and embellishments.
Ariodante contains 32 arias, 4 duets, 2 trios, and 1 chorus. The arias cover a wide range of emotions and styles, from tender love songs to furious rage songs, from lyrical melodies to dazzling coloraturas. Some of the most famous arias are:
Con l'ali di costanza (With wings of constancy), sung by Ariodante in Act I, Scene 1. It is an aria of confidence and joy, in which Ariodante expresses his happiness for his upcoming marriage with Ginevra.
Tu preparati a morire (Prepare yourself to die), sung by Polinesso in Act I, Scene 6. It is an aria of menace and revenge, in which Polinesso threatens Ariodante for his love for Ginevra.
Scherza infida (Mock me cruelly), sung by Ariodante in Act II, Scene 2. It is an aria of despair and grief, in which Ariodante laments his fate after he has been deceived by Polinesso.
Dopo notte (After night), sung by Ariodante in Act III, Scene 8. It is an aria of joy and triumph, in which Ariodante celebrates his victory over Polinesso and his reunion with Ginevra.
Scherza Infida: A Heartbreaking Aria
The meaning and translation of Scherza Infida
Scherza Infida is an Italian phrase that means "mock me cruelly" or "treacherous jokes". It is the first line of the aria sung by Ariodante in Act II, Scene 2, after he has witnessed what he thinks is Ginevra's betrayal. The full lyrics and translation of the aria are as follows:
Scherza infida in grembo al drudo, io tradito a morte in braccio per tua colpa ora men vo. Mà a spezzar l'indegno laccio, ombra mesta e spirto ignudo, per tua pena io tornerò. Mock me cruelly in the arms of your lover, I, betrayed, give myself up to death's embrace because of you I now go. But, to break this shameful tie, a sad and bereaved spirit, I will return to punish you.
The aria is divided into two sections: A and B. The first section (A) presents the main melody and lyrics, which are repeated with some variations. The second section (B) contrasts with the first section in terms of key, mood, and lyrics. The second section is more agitated and angry, as Ariodante vows to return as a ghost to haunt Ginevra. The third section (A) repeats the first section with more embellishments and ornaments.
The musical features and expression of Scherza Infida
Scherza Infida is one of the most expressive and emotional arias in Ariodante. It showcases Handel's mastery of musical drama and vocal writing. Some of the musical features and expression of the aria are:
The aria is in D minor, a key that is often associated with sadness and lamentation.
The aria has a slow tempo (largo) and a simple meter (3/4), which create a solemn and mournful atmosphere.
The aria is accompanied by a basso continuo (a keyboard instrument and a bass instrument) and an oboe d'amore (a type of oboe with a lower and softer sound). The oboe d'amore plays an obbligato (a prominent and independent) part that echoes and complements the voice.
The aria uses a melodic motif (a short musical idea) that consists of a descending chromatic scale (a scale that uses all 12 notes of the octave). This motif represents Ariodante's falling into despair and death.
The aria uses expressive devices such as appoggiaturas (notes that clash with the harmony and create tension), melismas (several notes sung on one syllable), trills (rapid alternation between two notes), and cadenzas (improvised passages at the end of phrases). These devices enhance the emotional impact and virtuosity of the aria.
The performance history and interpretation of Scherza Infida
Scherza Infida has been performed by many famous singers throughout history, such as Senesino, Carestini, Janet Baker, Anne Sofie von Otter, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, Joyce DiDonato, Philippe Jaroussky, and David Daniels. Each singer has brought their own interpretation and style to the aria, making it their own.
Some singers have emphasized the sorrowful and resigned aspect of the aria, while others have highlighted the angry and vengeful aspect. Some singers have sung the aria with minimal ornamentation, while others have added more embellishments and variations. Some singers have sung the aria with a smooth and legato (connected) phrasing, while others have used more rubato (flexible) and staccato (detached) phrasing. Some singers have sung the aria with a pure and clear tone, while others have used more vibrato (fluctuation) and coloratura (agility).
There is no definitive or correct way to sing Scherza Infida. The beauty of the aria lies in its flexibility and adaptability to different singers and interpretations. The only thing that matters is that the singer conveys the deep and complex emotions of Ariodante, and makes the audience feel them too.
How to Download Scherza Infida in PDF Format
The benefits and challenges of downloading sheet music online
If you want to download Scherza Infida in PDF format, you have many advantages and disadvantages. Some of the benefits are:
You can access a large and diverse collection of sheet music from different sources and websites.
You can save time and money by not having to buy or borrow physical copies of sheet music.
You can print, share, and store the sheet music easily and conveniently.
You can view and edit the sheet music on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Some of the challenges are:
You may not find the exact version or edition of the sheet music that you are looking for.
You may encounter low-quality or inaccurate sheet music that contains errors or omissions.
You may have to deal with copyright issues or legal restrictions that prevent you from downloading or using the sheet music.
You may have to face technical problems or security risks that affect your device or software.
Therefore, you need to be careful and selective when you download Scherza Infida in PDF format. You need to find a reliable source that offers high-quality sheet music for free or for a reasonable price. You also need to make sure that the file is compatible with your device and software, and that it does not contain any viruses or malware.
The best sources and websites for downloading Scherza Infida in PDF format
There are many sources and websites that offer Scherza Infida in PDF format, but not all of them are trustworthy or satisfactory. Here are some of the best sources and websites that we recommend:
Source/Website
Description
Pros
Cons
IMSLP (International Music Score Library Project)
A website that provides public domain and creative commons licensed sheet music for free.
- It has a large and diverse collection of sheet music from different composers, genres, and periods.- It has multiple versions and editions of Scherza Infida, including the original score, vocal scores, arrangements, and transcriptions.- It has high-quality scans and typesets of the sheet music.- It has useful information and links about the composer, the opera, and the aria.- It is easy to use and navigate.
- It may not have the latest or most updated versions of the sheet music.- It may not have some rare or obscure versions of the sheet music.- It may have some errors or inaccuracies in some of the sheet music.- It may have some technical issues or glitches in some of the files.
Musescore
A website that allows users to create, share, and download sheet music for free.
- It has a large and active community of users who upload and download sheet music.- It has several versions of Scherza Infida, including vocal scores, piano reductions, instrumental arrangements, and transpositions.- It has high-quality typesets and audio files of the sheet music.- It has useful features such as playback, transpose, print, export, comment, and rate.- It is easy to use and navigate.
- It may not have the original or authentic versions of the sheet music.- It may have some low-quality or inaccurate sheet music that contains errors or omissions.- It may have some copyright issues or legal restrictions that prevent users from downloading or using some of the sheet music.- It may have some technical problems or security risks that affect users' devices or software.
Sheet Music Plus
A website that sells digital and physical copies of sheet music for various prices.
How to Download Scherza Infida in PDF Format
The benefits and challenges of downloading sheet music online
If you want to download Scherza Infida in PDF format, you have many advantages and disadvantages. Some of the benefits are:
You can access a large and diverse collection of sheet music from different sources and websites.
You can save time and money by not having to buy or borrow physical copies of sheet music.
You can print, share, and store the sheet music easily and conveniently.
You can view and edit the sheet music on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Some of the challenges are:
You may not find the exact version or edition of the sheet music that you are looking for.
You may encounter low-quality or inaccurate sheet music that contains errors or omissions.
You may have to deal with copyright issues or legal restrictions that prevent you from downloading or using the sheet music.
You may have to face technical problems or security risks that affect your device or software.
Therefore, you need to be careful and selective when you download Scherza Infida in PDF format. You need to find a reliable source that offers high-quality sheet music for free or for a reasonable price. You also need to make sure that the file is compatible with your device and software, and that it does not contain any viruses or malware.
The best sources and websites for downloading Scherza Infida in PDF format
There are many sources and websites that offer Scherza Infida in PDF format, but not all of them are trustworthy or satisfactory. Here are some of the best sources and websites that we recommend:
Source/Website
Description
Pros
Cons
IMSLP (International Music Score Library Project)
A website that provides public domain and creative commons licensed sheet music for free.
- It has a large and diverse collection of sheet music from different composers, genres, and periods.- It has multiple versions and editions of Scherza Infida, including the original score, vocal scores, arrangements, and transcriptions.- It has high-quality scans and typesets of the sheet music.- It has useful information and links about the composer, the opera, and the aria.- It is easy to use and navigate.
- It may not have the latest or most updated versions of the sheet music.- It may not have some rare or obscure versions of the sheet music.- It may have some errors or inaccuracies in some of the sheet music.- It may have some technical issues or glitches in some of the files.
Musescore
A website that allows users to create, share, and download sheet music for free.
- It has a large and active community of users who upload and download sheet music.- It has several versions of Scherza Infida, including vocal scores, piano reductions, instrumental arrangements, and transpositions.- It has high-quality typesets and audio files of the sheet music.- It has useful features such as playback, transpose, print, export, comment, and rate.- It is easy to use and navigate.
- It may not have the original or authentic versions of the sheet music.- It may have some low-quality or inaccurate sheet music that contains errors or omissions.- It may have some copyright issues or legal restrictions that prevent users from downloading or using some of the sheet music.- It may have some technical problems or security risks that affect users' devices or software.
Sheet Music Plus
A website that sells digital and physical copies of sheet music for various prices.
- It has a large and diverse collection of sheet music from different publishers, composers, genres, and periods.- It has several versions and editions of Scherza Infida, including the original score, vocal scores, arrangements, transcriptions, anthologies, collections, books, CDs, DVDs, etc.- It has high-quality scans and prints of the sheet music.- It has a fast and secure delivery service.- It has a friendly and helpful customer service.
- It may not have some free or cheap versions of the sheet music.- It may not have some public domain or creative commons licensed versions of the sheet music.- It may have some errors or inaccuracies in some of the sheet music.- It may have some technical problems or security risks that affect users' devices or software.
The tips and precautions for downloading Scherza Infida in PDF format
Before you download Scherza Infida in PDF format, you should follow these tips and precautions:
Check the source and website carefully. Make sure that they are reputable and reliable. Read the reviews and ratings from other users. Avoid the sources and websites that have negative feedback or complaints.
Check the version and edition of the sheet music carefully. Make sure that they match your preferences and needs. Read the description and details of the sheet music. Compare the different versions and editions available.
Check the file format and size carefully. Make sure that they are compatible with your device and software. Read the instructions and requirements of the file. Download the file from a secure and stable connection.
Check the file quality and accuracy carefully. Make sure that they are high-quality and error-free. Preview and test the file before you use it. Report any problems or issues to the source or website.
Check the file legality and safety carefully. Make sure that they are legal and safe to download and use. Read the terms and conditions of the source or website. Respect the copyright and license of the sheet music. Scan the file for any viruses or malware.
Conclusion
Scherza Infida is one of the most beautiful and tragic arias ever written by George Frideric Handel. It is part of his opera Ariodante, which is one of his finest operas. If you want to download