Intorno all’idol mio (Patreon)

Our song for tonight

“Intorno all’idol mio” (“Around My Beloved”) from the opera Orontea (1656) composed by Antonio Cesti. Cecilia Bartoli’s interpretation is widely regarded as one of the finest ever recorded.

Around my beloved,

Gentle breezes, breathe softly,so that with your sweet murmuryou may bring comfort to the heart of the one I adore.

Let your whispernot disturb that peaceful sleep,but rather, like a gentle harmony,make those dreams even sweeter.

If some kindly starkeeps watch above,may it grantpeace, love, and happiness.

The essence of the aria: love expressed as silent devotion and gentle care. 

It evokes an ancient ideal of love: to love without intruding. The highest expression of affection is simply to watch over another from afar, wishing them serenity. It is less a confession than a blessing whispered into the wind.