“Non posso disperar”

Online Courses & Singing Lessons on Zoom

See “KARAOKE KORNER” below for technical help . . .
–HIGH KEY–
–LOW KEY–

“Non posso disperar” by, Giovanni Bononcini, has been a favorite of mine to assign to students for many years. This appealing song stays comfortably in the middle range. The opening vocal motif is echoed in and cascades downward throughout the piano part. Though a bit challenging musically, it is well worth the effort, as almost anyone sounds good singing this song.

Here are the “Non posso disperar” lyrics and “Non posso disperar” translation:, as well as representative performances in several voice types.

***
“Non posso disperar”
Giovanni Bononcini
**********************

Non posso disperar lyrics

Non posso disperar,
sei troppo cara al cor:
il solo sperare
d’aver a gioire
m’è un dolce languire,
m’è un caro dolor.

***

I cannot despair;
you are far too dear to my heart.
The mere hope
of enjoying you
is for me a sweet suffering,
an adorable pain.

************************************

Our first performance is from tenor Stanislav Mjartan.

***********************************
YouTube is filled with examples of students and amateurs alike performing “Non posso disperar.” However, there are almost no performances by professional singers—a pity, since this gem deserves its place in the sun!

So…

Let’s open the vault of YouTube and enjoy an amateur concert of honorable-mentions, as it were. Everyone has a right to be heard, so music-lovers, let’s hear your stuff!

***********************************
Our next performance is from Samantha Williams whose lovely mezzo-soprano voice is beautifully complemented by Giovanni Bononcini’s “Non posso disperar.” Her voice is even and lyrical throughout, and she performs with relaxed poise and admirable musicianship. Brava!

***********************************
Our next performance is of soprano Abby Whitman in a freshman recital at the Boston Conservatory of Music. Ms. Whitman uses her already developed and pure-toned soprano voice quite well in her performance of Giovanni Bononcini’s “Non posso disperar.” She engagingly conveys the lighthearted melancholy of the character with able musicianship. Well done.

***********************************
Our next performance is from a young countertenor, Kristijan Dragović. Though his performance is somewhat rushed and a bit too forceful, the quality of his voice shines through in Giovanni Bononcini’s “Non posso disperar.” His performance conveys the youthful ardor represented in this song.

************************************

SOMETHING DIFFERENT…

This little song really gets around! Here are some unusual manifestations of “Non posso disperar”. Would you believe harmonica players in Africa playing it? Or, a slapstick comedy performance of this aria in concert? Here goes…

************************************
KARAOKE KORNER . . .
Due to the quarantine requirements of the COVID-19 period, we are providing services for learning online.

Below are Karaoke-style accompaniments in both high and low keys presented along side full performances. Each listing also includes audio metronome and tonic-pitch sound videos to help you sing more independently when learning online. Sub-sections of the songs are then presented to help you dig down and refine your learning.

These measures will promote more comprehensive and effective learning while studying singing remotely. Good luck and have fun!

************************************

–HIGH KEY–

************************************
(back to the top…)
Metronome marking:

Tonic note pitch:

**************************************
ENTIRE ACCOMPANIMENT ONLY (high key):

FULL COMPLETE PERFORMANCE:

***
PG. 20, MEASURE 9: “non posso disperar . . .”

***
PG. 21, MEASURE 14: “sei troppo, troppo cara . . .”

***
PG. 21, MEASURE 20: “il solo sperare . . .”

***
PG. 22, MEASURE 30: “il solo sperare d’aver a gioire . . .”

***
PG. 23, MEASURE 39: “non posso disperar . . .”

************************************ ************************************

–LOW KEY–

************************************
(back to the top…)
Metronome marking:

Tonic note pitch:

************************************
ENTIRE ACCOMPANIMENT ONLY (low key):

************************************
FULL PERFORMANCE:

**************************************