Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo
| Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo | |
|---|---|
| by Antonio Caldara | |
 First page of Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo, 1713[1] | |
| Genre | Oratorio |
| Libretto | Bernardo Sandrinelli (editor) |
| Based on | an existing work by Lodovico Forni |
| Composed | c. 1698[2] or earlier[3] |
Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo (Engl.: Magdalene at the feet of Christ) is an oratorio by Antonio Caldara, set to a libretto by Bernardo Sandrinelli, who used an existing work by Lodovico Forni.[2]
Synopsis
The oratorio is about the former "sinner" Mary Magdalene (Maddalena). The allegorical figures of earthly and heavenly love try to win her over to their side. At this point, Maddalena has already largely renounced earthly temptations but is still unsure whether she can really find forgiveness. She finds support from her sister Marta and from Jesus Christ (Cristo) himself. A Pharisee (Fariseo) doubts the correctness of her decision. He believes that sins can only be atoned for through offerings in the temple. In the end, Maddalena finally makes her choice and Earthly Love retreats to the underworld. (Translated and abridged from German Wikipedia[2])
Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo was written in Venice, either around 1698 as the sources on Wikipedia claim[2] or significantly earlier, at the beginning or the middle of the 1690s.[3]. The peculiar style of Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo would suggest the earlier date. (Kirkendale 1966, p. 170). A copy exists from 1713.
The work by Lodovico Forni was also used by Benedetto Marcello[2]
Roles and premiere cast
| Role | Voice type | Premiere cast |
|---|---|---|
| Cristo (Christ) | Tenor | |
| Maddalena (Maria Magdalene) | Soprano | |
| Marta, sorella di Maddalena | Soprano | |
| Amor Celeste (Heavenly Love) | Contralto | |
| Amor Terreno (Earthly Love) | Contralto | |
| Fariseo (a Pharisee) | Basso |
Manuscript and sheet music
- Free Score at the IMSLP:
- Manuscript, n.d.(ca.1713).
- Public Domain
- Misc. Notes Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Vienna (A-Wn): Mus.Hs.17101
- "Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo (Caldara, Antonio)". IMSLP. Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Vienna (A-Wn): Mus.Hs.17101. Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo in Philippe Jaroussky's discography, filmography and performance history
Concert programs
| Year | Concert program | With | Ensemble | Conductor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Stabat mater – Caldara & Pergolesi | Céline Scheen | L'Arpeggiata | Christina Pluhar |
Complete list of musical numbers from Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo
This listing only contains the musical pieces performed and/or recorded by Philippe Jaroussky.
| Year published or performed | title | Album, Video or Concert Program | Year first published/performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | "Sù lieti festeggiate" | Stabat mater – Caldara & Pergolesi | Around 1698[2] or earlier[3] |
References
- ↑ "Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo (Caldara, Antonio)". IMSLP. Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Vienna (A-Wn): Mus.Hs.17101. Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Maddalena ai piedi di Cristo". Wikipedia. Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Kirkendale, Ursula (1966). Antonio Caldara, Sein Leben und seine venezianisch-römischen Oratorien. Böhlau, Universität Wien. Musikwissenschaftliches Institut.
Further reading
"Antonio Caldara". Wikipedia. Retrieved September 16, 2021.