Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010

8/7/2019 Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010

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I hear a fleeting murmur from the Tiber; that all that charms and pleases flees on the wavesand that human desire has no peace if not sought in God.

Agnese from the SantAgnese Oratorio

C O N S O R T I U M C A R I S S I Msquisita musica strumentale ed eccellente musica vocale. Pompilio Totti R

On Occasion of the 300th Anniversary of Pasquini

SantAgnese Orato

1678Music of Bernardo Pasquini (1637


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Agnese

Heather Cogswell - soprano

Madre di Agnese

Marita Link- mezzo-soprano

Flavio

Brian Link- counter-tenor

AspasioBen Henry-Moreland - baritone

Prefetto

Garrick Comeaux - bass

Violins

Ginna WatsonTerry Elliott

Violas

Steve StaruchCheryl Zylla

Basso Continuo

Mary Virginia Burke, viola da gambaTulio Rondon, cello

Theorbo

Paul Berget

Harpsichord

Bruce Jacobs

OrganDonald Livingston

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Gratitude to our donors for helping make this season poss

Nancy Archer

Lillian Carteng

Laura Carlson

Katherine Cram

Dan Dressen and Elisabeth Comeaux

Lisa Drew

Keith Dunder

Edna EricksonBob and Darlene Hays

Robert Hickcox and Jacqueline Henry

Gerald Hoekstra

Jeffrey Holland

Laura Kane

James and Donna May

Beth McGuire

Timothy and Kathy Nelson

Beth and Pat Nunnally

Rick and Sandra Penning

Cynthia Prosek

Larry ReynoldsDale Talley

Robert and Maureen Vince

U.S. Bancorp

Deluxe Corporation

Consortium Carissimi

Board Members

Robert Hayes, President

Beth Nunnally, Treasurer

Don Livingston, Secretary

Consortium Carissimiis a501(c)(3) non-profit organization

P.O. Box 40553 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104

Tel. 612.822.1376


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Artwork on front cover ofAndrea del Sarto (Andrea d'Agnolo) 14861530 Florentine

S. Agnese (part.) - 1524 - Pisa, Duomo

Gi dal ferro traffitta io cado esangue. Iomoro,o Flavio, io manco,o Madre, iospiro, e l'estremo respiro di questo sen,che langue altro, altro da voi non chiede,che se costante amor ne strinse in terraci unisca in cielo un immutabil fede.

Madre di S. Agnese / Flavio

Sparsa d'horror mortale,Madre di S. Agnese

tu giaci o figlia al suolo,

Flavio

tu giaci Agnese al suolo,

Madre di S. Agnese / Flavio

ma con affanno eguale l'alma dal pettomio discioglie il volo.

Flavio

Tu dal ferro traffitta, io dal dolore.

Madre di S. Agnese

Tu martire dell'ira, et io d'amore.

-fine-

Pierced with the sword, I fall and am

bleeding. I am dying o Flavio, I am passing

away, O Mother. I breathe my last, but thevery last breathe of this breast that lan-

guishes, asks from you nothing else than

this. If constant love ever compelled on

earth, an unchanging faith will unite us in

heaven.

Mother of Saint Agnes / Flavio

Scattered mortal horror,

Mother of Saint Agnes

O daughter, you lie in the soil,

Flavio

O Agnes, you lie in the soil,

Mother of Saint Agnes / Flavio

but with equal torment, my soul takes flight

from this breast.

Flavio

You, pierced by the sword, I by the grief.


You martyr of wrath, and I of love.

- the end -

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THE PROGRAM

Church of Saint Agnes - 548 Lafo

Frid

St. Marys Chapel at the St. Paul Seminary - 2260 SummSaturd

Giovanni Battista Vitali

(1644 c.1692)

Bernardo Pasquini

(1637 1710)

Sinfonia a Sei

SantAgnese Oratorio

for five voices, two violin

and Basso continuo

Parte Prima

Parte Secunda


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C O N S O R T I U M C A R I S S I M Isquisita musica strumentale ed eccellente musica vocale. Pompilio Totti Ritratto di Roma1638

- Presentation -

Consortium Carissimi was founded in Rome, Italy in 1996, with the mission ofuncovering and bringing to modern day ears, through live concerts, master classes,

recordings and publications, the long-forgotten early Italian baroque music of the 16th

and 17th centuries. Consortium Carissimi consists of ten to thirty musicians that includesingers (soprano, alto, countertenor, tenor, bass-baritone and period instruments

(theorbo, violins, harpsichord, organ, and viola di gamba).

Why named after Carissimi? Among the various types of music that flourished

in Rome during the 16th and 17th century, the oratories of Giacomo Carissimi are

examples of the most outstanding form of composition of that time. ConsortiumCarissimi bears the name of the famous composer whose music was known for itssimple, fresh new approach to text, melody and accompaniment.

Of great importance is the performance of sacred and secular music that is

transcribed from manuscript or early print sources. The unique strength that ConsortiumCarissimi provides is in the performance of these long-forgotten works since much ofthis music has not been heard since the 17 th century. It is only through transcriptions

that this music may be heard by 21 st century audiences; transcriptions held byConsortium Carissimi. Currently, there are no other organizations in the United Statesthat have these transcriptions in their possession.

Consortium Carissimi contributes to the cultural vitality of the community infour key ways: Manuscript transcription and publication; Consortium Carissimi is theonly organization in the United States that has in its library transcriptions over 200manuscripts of this time period, including the complete works of Giacomo Carissimi.

Educational programs; Consortium Carissimi conducts master classes with educationalinstitutions, both in and out of state. Master classesinclude intense studies of vocal andinstrumental practices of 17th century Rome. Performances; the ensemble of mixed

voices and instruments performs three concerts annually of repertoire from the Italian-

Roman sacred and secular music of the 16 th and 17th century. Recordings; Consortium

Carissimiextends public access to and knowledge of this musical tradition through

digital recordings. Consortium Carissimis unique commitment to the Italian works ofthe 16th and 17th is quickly establishing its role as an arts leader here at home and

abroad.

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Nel seno d'un empio trionfi il rigore: conbarbaro scempio s'avventino strali difiamme letali; fomenti l'ardore la faced'Aletto ma contro il mio petto.

Ordisca il tiranno spietate ritorte:prepari ogni affano schernita possanza,con fiera sembianza diffonda la morte ilfreddo veleno, ma contro il mio seno.

Aspasio

Folli a gara chiedete i propri scempi, mad'Agnese i martiri fiano ai vostri delirihorridi esempi.

S. Agnese

Che pi tardi o mio cor con vaghi lampit'invita il rogo, e pur tu sei di gelo allefiamme, al cielo.

Flavio

O portento inaudito mira o mostroinfedele il rogo si divide, e le fiammeomicide solo d'amore accese, chinan

altere fronti al pi d'Agnese. E cangiandonatura crudo elemento ancora, il belcandor dell'innocenza adora.

Aspasio

Mora l'infida mora, e se magico incantovalse a destar piet nel foco istessorimanga un'empio cor, dal ferrooppresso.

S. Agnese

Cedo il core a dolci pene per rinascere a

quel bene, ch'in eterno adorer. MioGes discopri omai di tua luce i vaghirai, che nel grembo del tormento di

In the breast of the im

our. With barbarous s

hurled with lethal flam

of Alettos torch, but a

Devise, you tyrant, ruwith merciless strength

wild beast likeness, sp

of death, but against m

Aspasio

You foolishly ask in b

sacres, but may Agn

horrible example for y

Saint Agnes

My heart slowly invitcharming flashes, and

zen. To the flames and

Flavio

O unheard-of miracle!

monster, the homicid

love alone and the ro

Bow down, you haughof Agnes. Transform

means, like fire which

purity of innocence.

Aspasio

Die, treacherous girl,

enchantment avails to

in the fire itself imp

down with the sword.

Saint Agnes

I concede my heart t

reborn to that Good, weternity. My Jesus, un

ing beams with your l

of torment, I will die o


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S. Agnese / Flavio

Del sospirato ben, giunga alle mete.Chidi voi cari martiri mi dar la dolcepalma per beare i miei desiri, non pidimore, o pene, hora volate; e sarete aquest'alma,

S. Agnese

quanto veloci pi tanto pi grate,

Flavioquanto crudeli pi tanto pi grate.

Aspasio

Flavio, i deliri tuoi pongo in non cale;esci di cieco ardore folle tu sogni, e perte parla amore. In te maga crudel l'irarivolgo ecco il rogo bramato, gl'ardentimiei furori, nelle ceneri tue restinospenti, e del guardo adirato sian delitiepi care i tuoi tormenti.

Madre di S. AgneseSian delitie pi care i tuoi tormenti?Ferma figlia, deh ferma, e qualm'appresti in teatro d'horror tragicascena?

S. Agnese

Con affetti molesti, Madre qual'horritardi, di quest'alma i troffei, pi crudeld'ogni pena a me tu sei.

Madre di S. Agnese

Ai tormenti pi severi deh, t'involi ilpianto mio, e pi miti i tuoi pensieri siribellino al desio.

Saint Agnes / Flavio

Reach the goal of the longed-for good.

Which of you dear martyrs will give me the

sweet palm, with which I can make my joy

complete. No more delays, now fly away,

and you will be to this soul,

Saint Agnes

appreciated as much as you are quick,

Flavioappreciated as much as you are cruel.

Aspasio

Flavio, I submit that your infatuations

amount to nothing. Come out from the

blinding fervour, madly you dream thatlove speaks to you. To you, cruel witch, I

turn my anger. Here, your desired rogue.May my fiery raging be extinguished in

your ashes and in the angry face, may your

torments be your dearest delights.


May your torments be your dearest de-lights? Stop, my daughter. In what theatre

of horrors do you prepare for such a tragic

scene?

Saint Agnes

With troublesome sufferings, Mother, you

are more cruel than any other torment as

you delay this souls trophies.


Might my cry save you from the worstpains possible, and your mighty thoughts

against rebel desire.

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- Program Notes -

Bernardo Pasquini is mostly known today for his keyboa

prolific composer of vocal music which included: 18 operas, 15cantatas, and a number of motets. In spite of the success of thes

lifetime, this repertoire is rarely programmed in concerts today and

to find in recordings.

Bernardo came to Rome in 1650 and there pursued his entir

and composer, he was employed by several different Churches (Chdei Francesi, S. Marcello, S. Maria in Aracoeli, S. Maria Maggioreroles within the major cultural circles such as the entourage of ChrColonna Family, the Ottoboni Family and of course the Pamphilj F1666, Pasquini was permanently employed at the services of PBorghese. Together with Corelli and Alessandro Scarlatti, he was athe Arcadia. It is also to be remembered the importance of Pasquinistudents were some of the more illustrious musicians of the time

Zipoli...).

Pasquinis fame was well established along the Danube, and

was much-accustomed to Italian cultural activities of guest artistsdramatic composition was between the years of 1670 and 1680. Wi

Oratorio genre, his creations were sought after outside Roman c

were made in cities such as Florence, Modena, Naples and Vienna.

As a result, the premier performance of the Saint Agnes OrVienna during Lent of 1678. In this, the 300 th anniversary of hi

Carissimi will celebrate Pasquinis life through the music of the Sain

Saints tend to find themselves on church calendars where

completely unnoticed. Saint Agnes (like St Cecilia) is situated in ea

period when persecution was still common. Very few details are

lives of Saints that lived so long ago, but devotion to them h

speculate, in artistic terms, about the lives they may have lived. Theoratories like this one, was entrusted to librettists more or less pro

occur at times that these texts were written by famous patrons.

example a creation of Cardinal Benedetto Pamphilj, known for theatrical and musical passions, and as numerous others of the R

hierarchy members, was given to the writing out of not only sacred as well.


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Here is a short Synopsis: Agnes lived in Rome (300 c.e.) and although the detailsof her life vary with the interpretation of those who recant it, the essence of her life and

pilgrimage remain the same. At age 13, Agnes already knew that her lifes calling wasto serve God. She died under the Diocletian persecutions when she refused the courtship

of the son (Flavio) of a Roman judge.

The judge sentenced her to be stripped and placed on public display but God

covered her nudity with her hair and sent a gown to her by an angel. Flavio was struck

down by lightening when he tried to touch Agnes, but she interceded for him. Upon

reviving, he converted to Christianity.

The Judge was so outraged he condemned Agnes to death by burning at thestake. Instead of devouring her, the flames bow down to her. Unable to kill her by

flame, the young girl is slain by the sword. She does not die before singing of faith and

love.

Garrick Comeaux

Artistic Director

A special thanks to

Fr. John Ubel, our host at the Church of Saint Agnes,

Fr. Tom Margevicius, our host at the St. Paul Seminary,

to Bill Mathis and Hennepin United Methodist Churchfor the use of their portative organ,

to Bruce Jacobs for the use of his harpsichord,

to Beth Nunnally, Robert Hayes, Don Livingston and Elisabeth Comeaux,

for their patience, organizational skills, time and efforts.

Look for future concert programming under our Future Concertssection at our website:www.consortiumcarissimi.org

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S. Agnese

Venghino a mille a mille in me gl'affanniagl'incendi, alle pene a'i ceppi, allecatene l'empiet mi condanni, che aquest'alma fedel sar il tormento neve alsol, piume al foco, e polve al vento.

Flavio

L'alma oh Dio, ch tuo dono, a te sirenda, in me l'ira si volga, per me il rogos'accenda, dispietata pietade a me nontolga far in nobil tenzone de pi crudimartiri un serto al crine, ostri, scettri,corone d'effimera grandezza pretiositormenti, aure e ruine, l'alma, che vidisprezza sciolta dal fragil velo sovrapira di stelle rinascer nova Fenice incielo.

S. Agnese

Pigri momenti, oh Dio.Flavio

Cari tormenti, oh Dio.

S. Agnese / Flavio

Che pi, che pi tardate, il volo omaisciogliete,

S. Agnese

onde l'alma penante

Flavio

onde il mio core amante

Saint Agnes

Thousands of thousa

upon me, to the fires,

the logs, and to the cha

condemned me. To thment will be like snow

in the fire and dust in t

Flavio

O God, your gift, the

you, for wrath is tur

rogue is aflame. Do n

lentless compassion, battle, to the most cru

land on the head, pur

large fleeting crowns

breezes and fury. Thethis, free from the fra

the pyre of stars, wi

Phoenix in the heaven

Saint Agnes

Tardy moments, O Go

Flavio

Dear moments, O God

Saint Agnes / Flavio

The more you delay

flight,

Saint Agnes

my paining soul

Flavio

my loving soul


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Aspasio

Nel tuo sen generoso figlio della ragionregni il rigore.

Prefetto

Amore e Astrea mi taccian d'ingiusto; prole, ma rea, son padre, ma giusto.Aspasio il cor, chin tua virt saffida

dellempio culto a te la strage assegna,che dove impera il duol, ragion nonregna, adora il figlio una bellezza infida,more, e nemico ai sommi Dei rinasce: itumulti e le grida odo del volgo a mieruine intento, onde in un sol momentoper affliger questalma un la sorte

amore, infedelt, congiure e morte.

Aspasio

D'aspro duol non sia ricetto nobil pettodel mio brando ai lampi e all'ire fuganl'ombre del timor, e se un Idra il tuo

martire fia l'Alcide il mio rigor.

Rida omai nel cor, che geme dolce spemelanguir quel empio ardire, che di vita ario dolor, e se un Idra il tuo martire fial'Alcide il mio rigor.

Su, su ministri fieri eccitate l'ardor difiamma ultrice, e provi alma infelice sepi pesante il giogo di regger scetri, od'avvampar nel rogo.

Aspasio

In your generous breast, reign with rigour

which is the son of reason.

Prefect

Love and Astrea accuse me of injustice, he

is my son, but guilty, I am his father, but

just. Aspasio, I entrust my heart to you toassign the massacre of this impious cult,

for where grief is Emperor, reason does not

reign. My son adores a beautiful but treach-

erous young girl, he dies and then is reborn

an enemy to the Almighty Gods. I can hearthe voice of the populace who are intent on

my ruin. Fate, in one quick instance to

harm me, has joined forces with love, un-

faithfulness, conspiracy and death.

Aspasio

Might not the remedy for harsh pain in anoble breast be my sword, for the shadows

of fear take flight at the lightening flashes

and ire. If martyred by an Idra, may Alcidebe my severity.

Laugh on now, for in this heart that groans

sweet hope, soon will grow dim, the impi-ous boldness which gave life to evil tor-

ment. If martyred by an Idra, may Alcidebe my severity.

Up and away, you proud ministers! Rouse

the ardour of the final flames. Put to thetest, this unhappy soul, and see which is

heavier, the yoke of holding the sceptre or

burning in the rogue.

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Flavio

Chi nasce gl'Imperi con l'aure vitalirespira i piaceri in cune reali, l'accoglie ildiletto se il mondo soggetto nascendomir. Le mete ai contenti prefigge suabrama, ma poscia ai tormenti se amore lochiama, gioisca se pu.

Tal di Quirin s le famose arene, ove iltemuto Padre del gran Giove Romanooccupa il trono, leggi prescrivo, eprigioniero io sono; che per ordirmi alcor dure catene fabbro d'inganni amore,con lucide rapine ad Agnese invol, gl'oridel crine.

Prefetto

Flavio, Flavio, diletta prole, quald'occulto martir nube funesta turba il

seren del core, e l'alma infesta? Se ditesori e gemme vago il desio si duole,nell'Indiche maremme suddite al tuo volerl'albe stillanti pretiosi per te versano ipianti.

Flavio

Vaghe gemme, che dal gelo diffondete irai lucenti; ricche perle, che del cielosiete lacrime ridenti; la belt, che'l senm'accese, come oscura i vostri vanti, se alfulgor, che sparge Agnese ombre son

perle e diamanti.

Flavio

Born into the Empir

vours, one breathes t

streets and receives t

upon, only when boThe destiny of the h

birth, but should lov

agony, let him rejoice

I, from Quirin, am su

famous ruins, wherethe great Roman J

throne. I appoint law

oner. Love, the black

has flown to Agnes

with hard chains to he

Prefect

Flavio, beloved son,

of hidden torments t

serenity and infests you grieve of desircharming jewels, the

your beckoning, an

drops at dawn, they

you.

Flavio

Charming jewels, yo

shining rays as from

pearls, you fall smi

the sky. The beauty set my breast on fir

glories, for compare

which Agnes sheds,

are but mere ghosts.

- Italian Text Translations -


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Prefetto

Se t'offre il crin fortuna, se a stabilirtihonori d'ogni stella gl'influssi il cieloaduna, se leggi imponi alla belt cheadori, perch nel fosco ciglio di sognatomartir s'aggira un'ombra? Spera, dehspera o figlio, che d'Imeneo la face d'ognicura mordace il vel disgombra.

Quando un'alma diffeso rimira lo scettro,che stringe da sorte fedel, se tra gl'ostri, ele pompe sospira il fato costringe a farsicrudel.

Chi tra i lampi di soglie gemmate, colpianto distrugge la gioia del sen, sembraun'angue con spoglie dorate, che i fiori,che sugge converte in velen.

Madre di S. Agnese

Qui dove bagna il Tebro l'augusto piede

alla citt di Marte o quante gratie il cieloAgnese, amata figlia a noi comparte. Madal materno zelo tali stimoli io provo,onde non sento colma di tante gioie il corcontento.

S. Agnese

Svela o Madre, deh svela qual trafigga iltuo cor pensier tiranno si scema il duolcol palesar l'affanno.

Prefect

If fortune is awarded you, and heaven

amasses all the powers of the stars and

entrusts to you these honours; if you im-

pose the law on the beauty that you love,why then in your sullen face, roams a

ghost of fantasised torment? Hope, my

son, hope that the light of the God of mar-

riage may lift the veil of all biting zeal.

When a soul well defended by the sceptrereconsiders and should sigh even among

the purple and magnificence, then fate it-

self is forced to be merciless.

A soul that destroys the hearts joy with

tears upon crossing a jewel embedded

threshold is like a serpent, turning all the

flowers it tastes, into poison.


Here where the Tiber bathes the venerable

foot of the city of Mars, o how manygraces heaven bestows on us, o Agnes, my

beloved daughter. But my motherly zeal is

tried, since I dont sense that your heart is

happy and full of all these joys.

Saint Agnes

Unveil to me, Mother, the tormenting

thought that has wounded your heart, re-veal it to lessen the pain and to ease your

breathlessness.

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Prefetto

Di mie pene crudeli sgravato appena iltormentoso incarco, con accenti infedelifiglio a nuovo dolor tu m'apri il varco.

Aspasio

Signor non pi dimore, ch'ai ministri deltempio il volgo unito gi volge a danni

tuoi l'armi e'l furore.Prefetto

Che ascolto o Dei?

Aspasio

Lo scempio appena udito, che magicaempiet f di tua prole la plebe accorse avendicar intesa l'onta del genitor, del ciell'offesa.

Poscia in udir, che del tuo duolo aiprieghi di possanza infernal forza rubellanel sen di Flavio infonde con sacrilega f

vita novella.Prefetto

Segui, che fia.

Aspasio

L'amor cangiato in ira, chi vendicarbram, punir sospira. Signor chi lento, incastigar l'eccesso del fallo, che soffri, fareo se stesso.

Prefetto

Discordi pensieri, ch'l cor dividete, oardite pi fieri, o miti tacete. Amore e

Astrea mi taccian d'ingiusto; e prole, prole, ma rea, son padre, ma giusto.

Prefect

Just unburdened of my

painful weight, with

Son, you would again

woe.

Aspasio

Sir, no more delays. have united with the m

ple and are already dir

anger, to harm you.

Prefect

O gods, what am I hea

Aspasio

This havoc just heamagic has been done

reason why the populathe fathers disgrace

heaven. Afterwards, w

your pains at the praye

lious power poured

new life of sacrilegiou

Prefect

Continue, then what?

Aspasio

Love transformed into

sires for revenge, pun

slow to castigate the

fence, is a criminal him

Prefect

Discordant thoughts,heart in two, o ventur

lent you mighty. Lov

me of injustice, he is

am his father, but just.


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S. Agnese

Signor l'humil preghiera figlia di pura fnella stellata sfera mai consegu merc lasua clemenza i voti miei secondi. Scuoprila tua potenza togli a morte le prede, e irei confondi.

Se mai sovra le stelle priego mortal vol,spirare aure novelle, gelato sen vedr.A'i miei desiri tua gratia oh Dio diffondi,

accogli i miei sospiri, fredde spoglieravviva e i rei confondi.

Prefetto

Ma qual novo portento il guardo ammira,son desto, o pur la speme cari sognidipinge al cor che geme. Figlio dal tuobel volto si, ch'io veggio sparir l'ombremortali porgon l'aure vitali moto allemembra esangue, e i dolci accenti, cheda tuoi labri ascolto gi richiamano invita i miei contenti.

Flavio

Immenso Dio, che sol te stesso intendi, ein conoscer te stesso nume produci a temedesmo eguale, e mentre al tuo riflessodi reciproco amor le fiamme accendispira quel dolce spirto immortale, tu seidel ciel su la gemmata sede basealleternit meta alla fede.

Finch unalma i suoi fulgori cela inlimiti penosi di caduca humanit, confantasmi tenebrosi idear non pu i tesoridi serena eternit.

Saint Agnes

O Lord, in the starry realm humble prayer

daughter of pure faith, indulge my desiresof clemency for him, who has never at-

tained mercy. Reveal your power, take the

prey away from death and confuse the

wicked.If ever a mortal prayer flew above the stars,

blow early breezes, and I will see my soul

freeze. To my desires O God, diffuse yourgrace, hear my sighs, reanimate the coldspoils and confuse the wicked.

Prefect

What new prodigy am I witnessing? Am I

awake or is it simply hope painting deardreams for a groaning heart? In your face,

my Son, I can see deaths shadows disap-

pear, as lively breezes give motion again to

your bleeding body. I hear the sweet mur-muring from your lips which brings back

my peace of mind.

FlavioO great God, you who alone can know

yourself, and in knowing yourself you pro-

duce god of your own equal, and while inyour reflection of reciprocal love you

breathe the sweet immortal spirit. You who

are in heaven and seated on the jewelled

throne, are the eternal foundation of the

goal of faith.

Until the souls splendours are hidden in

the painful limitations of human frailty, itcannot conceive of the treasures of eternal

serenity with these dark ghosts.

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Madre di S. Agnese

Di falsi numi a stabilir la sede reggemostro infernal scettro inumano.

E sull'altar d'un idolo profano svena diCristo empio rigor la fede. Se Cesaret'impone offrir a sordi marmi arabifumi, in s fiera tenzone come celarpotrai legge, e costumi.

Se ne l'arco d'un orrido ciglio il trionfospieg l'empiet, fredda tema di prontoperiglio, ogni core, soggetto si fa.

A gl'assalti di barbaro sdegno cedevinto, ogni sesso ogni et, chi di straggifa base al suo regno, non distinguevirtude o belt.

A fronte dun tiranno in van si finge,onde a me si dipinge crudo pensiero adinvolar mia pace in procelloso mar qualpino audace.

S. Agnese

Come in serena calma fia, che rimangaun cor fedele assorto ove nocchiero l'alma, cinosura la croce, il cielo, porto.

Madre di S. Agnese

Pavento.

S. Agnese

Di che.

Madre di S. Agnese

In grembo al tormento.

S. AgneseTrionfa la f.


An inhuman monster

seat for False Gods to ru

On the altar of a pagan

pious harshness the faiCesar order you to offe

deaf and dumb marble

your Christian faith in s

If triumph looses hatre

every heart becomes a

fear of imminent dange

To such proud and b

ages and sexes surrend

founds his Kingdom o

regard for virtue and be

It is useless to pretend

rant, and my peace va

thought, like an audaci

pestuous sea.

Saint Agnes

As in serene calmness,absorbed with faith w

pilot, the cross is the

heavens, the port.


I fear.

Saint Agnes

For what?


Torment in my womb.

Saint AgnesFaith will triumph!


10/14

10

Madre di S. Agnese

Inerme il tuo petto.

S. Agnese

Mio scudo virt.

Madre di S. Agnese

D'un empio l'aspetto

S. Agnese

serena Gies.Madre di S. Agnese

Fra dure ritorte,

S. Agnese

si pena un momento.

Madre di S. Agnese

A fronte di morte,

S. Agnese

si avviva il contento.

Madre di S. AgneseMa se il timor non fa mendace il guardo,del preside crudel non lungi io veggol'altera prole, e il consiglier malvaggio:fuggi figlia il tuo scempio che espressoin fronte al fiero Aspasio io leggo ilsembiante d'un empio qual d'accesovapor torbido crine sparge l dove apparcerte ruine.

Aspasio

Flavio qual fosco velo d'insolito dolort'adombra il volto? forse stanco il cielo

di piover sul tuo crin gioie e contenti?


Defenceless is your breast.

Saint Agnes

My shield is virtue.


Although an impious appearance

Saint Agnes

I am at peace with Jesus.


Among hard trials,

Saint Agnes

one suffers only a moment.


In the face of death,

Saint Agnes

Happiness is enlivened.

Mother of Saint AgnesIf my fear does not betray and mislead my

eyes, I see not far off the proud son of theevil counsellor. Run, o daughter, for your

havoc is written on the face of Aspasio, in

whose face I see likeness of the wicked.

The turbid vapours flush his face and

spread to certain ruin.

Aspasio

Falvio, what a grim veil of unusual painovershadows your face. Is heaven perhaps

tired to rain joy and happiness on your

head?

19

Flavio

Esca di vampa ardente ogni spirto in melangue, e quest'alma dolente niegagl'usati uffici al seno esangue.

Prefetto

Occhi miei che mirate? O figlio, oh Dio,sogno, veglio, vaneggio? Flavio preda dimorte? O ciel, che veggio? Se l'acerbomio fato si vago germe in sul fiorirrecide, come il dolor, perch'io gli moraal lato, reso parca pietosa hor nonm'uccide.

Ma se indelebile gl'affanni asprissimi sondel mio cor, mie luci flebili sudisciogliete fiumi amarissimi esommergete il mio dolor.

E se col piangere non si disanima penamortal. Perch per frangere nodo chelega nel petto l'anima l'ali non spiegaCloto il suo stral.

Ma gi ch'a me si toglie dar fin con lamia morte al mio martire tutte del cor ledoglie stimolo di vendetta hor cangi inire. In te Circe spietata, empia Medeal'ira cadr se del mio duol sei rea.

S. Agnese

Punir seppe il mio Dio, che de mortali sula libra d'Astrea l'opre misura col gel dimorte un impudica arsura.

Prefetto

Quel nume in cui delle rotanti sferesogna culto infedel l'altro governo, il cui

potere eterno altre mete non ha, ch'il suovolere renda se pu di sua possanza insegno, renda al paterno amor si caropegno.

Flavio

Every spirit in me lan

blaze. My pained sou

breast.

Prefect

What do my eyes see

am I dreaming, am I aheavens, what is this I

death? If my bitter

charming seed that blo

cut off, why doesnt t

me that I might die at

Should these harsh to

heart, o feeble eyes, d

ers and drown my grie

And with my tears, d

penalty of death. For

must break the knot th

breast and unbind its w

Since I cannot bring

ments, all my tormentinto anger against you

less Circe, impious M

fall if you are responsi

Saint Agnes

My God knew to punitals, measuring in Ast

chill of death with an i

Prefect

To this God of yours

again if he can, this

love.


11/14

18

Forse il cor, che delira qui crede oh Diodi fosche larve cinto l'ombra veder delsuo dolore estinto. Piango, peno, sospiro,avvampo e gelo ma d'amolir quel cor nonsi dan vanto, pene, gelo, sospiri, ardori epianto.

Non imperano i regnanti, quando hansuddito il voler; quella fiamma, chevorace pu distrugger l'altrui pace entro

il sen de folli amanti si fa rogo delpiacer.

Spesso un'alma in regio seno prigioniera del dolor, se d'ardori un cor si pasce ildiletto ha tomba in fasce ch'ove sparge ilsuo veleno crude morti infonde amor.

S. Agnese

Flavio tra queste soglie? Empio cimentoAgnese a te s'appresta. Per sottrarmiall'oltraggio di lascivo ardimento sposoimmortale il tuo favore invoco: inquest'ombra funesta, mio Dio deh

splenda un raggio di quell'eterno foco,che ministro fatal d'amore e d'ira algiusto cinosura, all'empio pira.

Flavio

Ma qual fiamma improvisa il senm'accende? Qual infocato dardo fere ilpetto, arde il core, abbaglia i lumi?Soccorso, aita, o numi; di timore edaffanno aghiaccio e ardo.

S. Agnese

Il castigo del ciel non giunge tardo.

Perhaps the infatuated heart here encircled

by shadows, believes, o God, to be extin-

guished through its pain by dark ghosts. Icry, I suffer, I sigh, I burn and I freeze, but

to soften that heart, no suffering, freezing,

sighing, or burning is of any use.

The regnant does not reign when its citizen

is desire, that voracious flame that can de-

stroy the peace of others, a rogue of pleas-

ure can be found in the breasts of foolishlovers.

Often a regal soul is a prisoner of pain. If

the heart is nourished by fervour, joy diesat birth and wherever love spreads her poi-

son, she infuses cruel death.

Saint Agnes

Flavio, within these walls? Impious danger,

comes to you Agnes. O God, immortal hus-

band, I invoke your favour to deliver me

from this affront of lascivious burning. Inthis woeful shadow, my God, shine a beam

of that eternal fire, fatal minister of loveand hate, North Star for the righteous, pyre

for the impious.

Flavio

What flame all of a sudden overtakes me?

What burning arrow has wounded my

breast? My heart is on fire, my eyes aredazzled. Succour! Help, o gods! I am freez-

ing and burning of fear and anxiety!

Saint Agnes

The chastisement from heaven is not tardy.

11

Flavio

Aspasio, oh Dio consenti, ch'io viva ingrembo al mio dolor sepolto.

Aspasio

Vanti la sorte alle tue brame ancella, epur folle sospiri?

Flavio

La mia sorte rubella mi condanna aimartiri se con lucido crin l'alma flagella.

Aspasio

Non ha vicende il Fato ove il voler d'unGrande legge espressa.

Flavio

E pur l'alma servile forza non ha perdominar se stessa.

Aspasio

Cede a cura s vile del presside latinl'inculto germe?

Flavio

Abbate ogni valor bellezza inerme.

Aspasio

Dunque d'amor avvampi?

Flavio

Ardo d'amore vero ai vaghi lampi delbel volto d'Agnese, e al chiaro lume sul'ali del pensiero il core amante farfalla

ardita incener le piume.

Flavio

O God Aspasio, gran

the womb of my pain

Aspasio

You boast the destin

and yet you still foolis

Flavio

My rebellious destiny

fer the flagellation of

hair.

Aspasio

When the desire of

pressed as the law, th

whatsoever.

Flavio

And yet the menial

with which to dominat

Aspasio

Why does the son oway to such vile worri

Flavio

The defenceless beau

bring down every valo

Aspasio

Are you are burning w

Flavio

Yes, I am burning wit

ing eyes of the beautithe wings of thought a

light, the lovers hearhas burned its wings.


12/14

12

Aspasio

Di tue brame al dolce impero la belt,che ti di morte offre il cor giprigioniero se l'innalza altera sorte oltrei voli del pensiero.

Non si duole irata Flora se di rose pivermiglio cielo amico il crin gl'infiora,non ricusan le conchiglie i bei piantidell'aurora.

Prefetto

Non pi sospiri, o Figlio, ecco sen vienechi del tuo cor pu raddolcir le pene.

Flavio

Bella, nel duol, ch'entro al mio petto iocelo scorgi il dolce poter di tuavaghezza come rimira il cielo nellesembianze tue la sua bellezza.

S. Agnese

Se il ciel ver me lucidi sguardi affissa,ne falli miei la sua piet ravvisa.

Vaga rosa, che fastosa nell'alba nutrfolle speme di vita immortale, tostolangue ch'l raggio vitale Febo ascondeall'occaso del d; e disperse le pompedel crine fa di spine all'estinta vaghezzail feretro, sia specchio un fiore a unabelt di vetro.

Quel ruscello, che rubello sua cunasprezz sommergendo del prato i tesori,tosto manca ch'in seno di Dori lasuperbia dell'onde dom: e se lascia traspiaggie tranquille poche stille, vivo

raggio di sole l'adugge, sia specchio unrivo a una belt che fugge.

Aspasio

Of your yearnings of the sweet empire, the

beauty which has slain you offers an already

imprisoned heart, if this proud destiny raises

it beyond the flight of thought.

The irate Flora does not complain if a

friendly sunset sky adorns her hair with

flowers, just like the conch that doesnt re-

fuse the weeping of the dawn.

Prefect

Dont sigh any more my Son, for she who

can sweeten your hearts pain is arriving.

Flavio

Agnes, in the pain I am hiding in my breast,

discover the sweet power of your beauty

and how heaven gazes into your face, re-

flecting its own beauty.

Agnes

If heaven fixes its gaze on me it only reveals

its glory through my faults.

The charming rose that believes to be im-

mortal at dawn, looses its petals at sunset

and discovers its own frailty, leaving only

the thorns on the stem.

In the same way, the river that overflows

and floods the treasure of the fields, soon

dries up, only to reveal a sad little puddle.

17

S. Agnese

gli bramo,

Flavio

il rogo,

S. Agnese

il mio trono,

Flavio

la morte.S. Agnese

la chiamo, che nel mortal periglio bramainnesti di palme un puro giglio.

parte seconda

S. Agnese

Vaghe stelle, che splendete, care mete dimia pace di quel sole opre voi siete, alcui raggio il cor si sface.

Ma ben che siate al core cinosure fedeliio priva di conforto sospiro oh Dio, fra leprocelle il porto.

Voi del ciel spirti amorosi dal suo frenol'alma sciogliete che gi mira i suoiriposi nelle sfere, che volgete.

Flavio

Amore ove mi guidi, e in qual di ciechiorrori impuro laberinto, per vagheggiarun sol Flavio s'aggira?

Agnes

I long for them,

Flavio

the rogue,

Agnes

is my throne,

Flavio

death?Agnes

I call to it, for in morta

palm trees long for a pu

second

Saint Agnes

Charming stars that sh

my peace, you who a

Sun whose rays melt th

Although you are faiheart, I, without com

tempestuous seas, I yea

You who are amorou

soul that aspires to y

body.

Flavio

Love, where are you t

impure labyrinth of un

der and yearn for the o


13/14

16

Flavio

La Fama.

S. Agnese

E' mendace.

Flavio

Lo Sposo.

S. Agnese

il mio Dio.Flavio

O folle desio, d'un alma crudel, e comenon sente a tanti sospiri favilla d'amoreun core di gel.

S. Agnese

Vaneggi, deliri.

S. Agnese / Flavio

a tanti sospiri,

S. Agnese

no, no che non sente favilla d'amore ilcore di gel.

Flavio

e come non sente favilla d'amore un coredi gel.

S. Agnese

O saggio desio, d'un alma fedel.

Flavio

O folle desio, d'un alma crudel. I numi,

S. Agnese

che sono,Flavio

gli scherni,

Flavio

Fame,

Agnes

it is mendacious.

Flavio

The husband,

Agnes

is my God.Flavio

O foolish desire of a cruel soul, and how

this heart of ice doesnt feel the sparks of

love in my sighs.

Agnes

You are raving and delirious,

Agnes/Flavio

for many longings,

Agnes

no, this heart of ice doesnt feel the sparksof love;

Flavio

and how this heart of ice doesnt feel the

sparks of love.

Agnes

O wise desire for a faithful soul.

Flavio

O foolish desire for a cruel soul. The gods,

Agnes

what are they,Flavio

derision,

13

Flavio

Mortal non chi nel bel guardo avvivacifre d'eternit gl'astri del polo: Flaviosol per te langue e brama solo meta delsuo penar tua stabil fede, onde a me siprescriva, o il gel di morte o d'Imeneo leTede.

S. Agnese

Se il pi candido fiore di pudica onest

germe innocente al sovrano motore offr'iopegno d'amor mia fede ardente come,come poss'io per darlo ad huomo fralritorlo a Dio?

Aspasio

Con voci di contenti amor t'invita allegrandezze al soglio, e pur l'alma smarritadel tuo ciglio sereno ecclissa i rai, o cielchi vide mai nocchier, che il fieroorgoglio vinse d'ogn'austro infido,valicati gl'Egei perir nel lido.

S. Agnese

Nuda balza che in seno nasconde miniereprofonde paga sol dell'interna ricchezza, ifreggi disprezza dell'erbe dei fior, cosserti fugaci al crin non chiede chinell'alma racchiude oro di fede.

Prefetto

Gi che sdegna il tuo petto di fortuna ed'amor le faci e gl'ostri involati al mioaspetto e di vesta nei chiostri travolontari affanni traggi vedovi i d, sterili

gli anni.

Flavio

He who restores the sp

of the stars, cannot b

and desire your stabl

only aspire to either th

the joy of matrimony.

Agnes

If the most candid flow

and innocent seed I off

of my burning faithMover, how can I th

give it to mortal man?

Aspasio

With joyous voices, yoin grandeur and yet t

soul eclipse in the sere

one has ever seen a gre

vived the tempestuou

shallow waters near th

AgnesA simple trimmed f

deep mines in the breinterior riches. The orn

the flowers of the gra

ding garlands on the h

might hold in their sou

Prefect

Vanish from my sighwho disdain the purp

and love. Fly to the clo

life with voluntary tro

your days, and sterile a


14/14

14

S. Agnese

Per dar freggi innocenti col virginal miogiglio all'alma ai sensi fia chiostro il senpudico; ai marmi algenti arda cultoinfedel profani incensi.

Flavio

Adoro i marmi vero, che insegnaall'alma al tuo volere ancella i freddi

marmi idolatrare amore, se nel tuo senoo bella urna della mia speme un marmo il core.

Prefetto

Un delirio inevitabile destar deve entroal mio core la sopita crudelt, alimentiira implacabile, l'arco impugni di fierorigore nel mio petto schernita piet.

Una fiamma inestinguibile con la vita,con la vita d'un infida strugga ancoraun'empia f, soffrir scempio insoffribile

nel rigore di pena homicida chi del cieloribelle si fe.

Chi spettatrice Roma non cur de suoifasti tra impure frine entro lascive soglieesposta all'altrui voglie spettacolodivenga a Roma, al mondo. Folle, sedisprezzasti non che prospera sorte inumi istessi; il tuo seno pudico, ben tostodiverr teatro immondo, e nell'incultachioma succederanno ai mirti atricipressi.

Agnes

In order to give to the soul innocent deco-rations with my virginal lily, may my

chaste breast be the cloisters for the senses;

and the unfaithful worship burns with pa-

gan incense to the cold marbles.

Flavio

It is true, I worship marble statues becauseLove teaches my soul to adore the marble,

since in your breast, o beautiful urn of myhope, your heart is of marble and tomb of

my hope.

Prefect

An unavoidable delirium, for the sleeping

cruelty must be aroused in my heart, tofeed this implacable ire and grasp the bow

with proud rigour. Within my breast, pity is

a mockery.

An inextinguishable flame, with the life of

a treacherous girl, still consumed with im-

pious faith. For she who has made herself a

rebel of heaven, will suffer insufferableruin in the rigour of penal homicide.

Those who have never cared for Romes

Fasti or her glories, become a spectacle for

Rome and the entire world as they are ex-

posed to the desires of others. Mad are you,if you despise not only a prosperous des-

tiny, but the gods themselves. Your chaste

breast soon will become a filthy theatre and

in your coarse, long hair, the dark cy-

presses will succeed to the myrtle.

15

Flavio

Cos del suo cordoglio sar dura cagioneun cor di scoglio.

Di tua f delirante con pi saggio desiol'error correggi. Mira delle tue leggi gireso il Tebro adorator costante.

Nel tuo volto bandito il rigore splenda unraggio d'amica piet che d'un soleall'amato splendore nova clitia il mio

core sar.Agl'albori di dolce speranza dal mio senosparisca il timor, e trionfi un invittacostanza dell'asprezza, di rigido cor.

S. Agnese

Del Tebro apprendo al mormorar fugace,che ci che alletta e piace qual'ondafugge, e che l'human desio pace non ha,se non la cerca in Dio.

Flavio

Udisti a qual oltraggio se stessa esponga

il tuo voler si crudo.S. Agnese

D'inerme purit la croce scudo.

Flavio

La Gloria.

S. Agnese

E' fugace.

Flavio

La Madre

S. Agnese

L'oblio.

Flavio

This hardened heart w

for its own pain.

With a wiser desire, your delirious faith.

and see the Tiber in co

Banished in your fac

shines a ray of friendl

transformed into a new

On the dawn of sweet pears from my breast,

defeated rigid heart

harshness.

Agnes

I hear a fleeting murmthat all that charms and

waves and that human

if not sought in God.

Flavio

Did you not hear the

you?Agnes

The cross is the shield

rity.

Flavio

The glory,

Agnes

is fleeting.

Flavio

The mother,

Agnes

I will forget her.

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Sant'Agnese Oratorio September 2010

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