30 Italian Songs and Arias

By Various

Item Number: PE.EP7743B

ISBN 9790577086637. Language: Italian/English.

Edition for Medium-Low Voice. This collection includes: word-by-word translations (Italian-English); English singing translations; IPA transliterations of the Italian text; historical notes for each song. A piano-accompaniment CD is included with the book.

'Most of the songs and arias included in this volume have been favorites with singers for many years. However, until now, only selected pieces have been available with stylistically-appropriate accompaniments, replacing the Romantic, late-19th-century legacy of Alessandro Parisotti. In going back where possible to early manuscripts and editions, I have tried to produce accompaniments that the composers of these pieces might have found acceptable. In general I have not doubled the voice parts at pitch, since singers often find this inhibiting. I have not introduced any editorial dynamics, since singers until the mid-18th century were in the habit of applying their own, based on the words they were singing. Today's singers should do the same -- there is no reason to suppose that singers in the 21st century are less imaginative and intelligent. Neither have I introduced editorial phrasing, pedalling, fingering or tempo markings, nor suggested any ornamentation for the vocal lines. This does not mean that singers should forego ornamentation...but I have preferred to leave this to the singer's own taste. Parisotti's volumes were notably weighted in favor of the 18th century at the expense of the 17th. I have redressed the balance by introducing five pieces from the early 17th century. I have also taken the opportunity to include a more extended version of Monteverdi's famous 'Lamento d'Arianna'. -- Roger Nichols, Editor (taken from the liner notes of this edition)

'I am delighted to see Parisotti's ubiquitous anthology recast with such learned courtesy. Roger Nichols has shed all outdated features, adding instead invaluable information and suggestions; this choice of pieces celebrates even better the genius of Italian baroque song, and I hope to see it used everywhere!' -- Emma Kirkby