Antonio Lucio Vivaldi nicknamed il Prete Rosso ("The
Red Priest") because of his red hair, was an Italian
Baroque composer, priest, and virtuoso violinist, born
in Venice. Vivaldi is recognized as one of the greatest
Baroque composers, and his influence during his
lifetime was widespread over Europe. Vivaldi is known
mainly for composing instrumental concertos, especially
for the violin, as well as sacred choral works and over
40 operas. His best known work is a series of violin
concertos known ...(+)
Antonio Lucio Vivaldi nicknamed il Prete Rosso ("The
Red Priest") because of his red hair, was an Italian
Baroque composer, priest, and virtuoso violinist, born
in Venice. Vivaldi is recognized as one of the greatest
Baroque composers, and his influence during his
lifetime was widespread over Europe. Vivaldi is known
mainly for composing instrumental concertos, especially
for the violin, as well as sacred choral works and over
40 operas. His best known work is a series of violin
concertos known as The Four Seasons.
"Nulla in mundo pax sincera" (RV 630 No. 1), is a
sacred motet composed by Antonio Vivaldi in 1735 to an
anonymous Latin text, the title of which may be
translated as "In this world there is no honest peace"
or "There is no true peace in this world without
bitterness". Written in the key of E major and in the
typical lyrical Italian Baroque style, it is scored for
solo soprano, two violins, viola and basso continuo,
this would normally be a cello and keyboard instrument,
in Vivaldi's case often the organ. The text dwells on
the imperfections of a world full of evil and sin, and
praises Jesus for the salvation he offers from it. It
is considered to be one of Vivaldi's most beautiful
solo motets.
The motet consists of three parts (Aria; Recitative;
Aria), followed by a concluding Alleluia. A full
performance of the piece takes approximately 13
minutes.
The first aria of the piece was featured in the closing
credits of the 1996 film Shine. This version featured
Jane Edwards. Another notable version of the aria is
that featuring Emma Kirkby accompanied by The Academy
of Ancient Music.
Although this piece was originally scored for solo
soprano, two violins, viola and basso continuo, I
created this arrangement for Viola and Concert (Pedal)
Harp.