“Amarilli, mia bella”

Online Courses & Singing Lessons on Zoom

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

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“Amarilli, mia bella” by, Giulio Caccini is the oldest song in the 24th Italian Songs and Arias. In many ways it is a breed apart from the others.

Written before the development of the pianoforte (which was invented @1700), “Amarilli, mia bella” was meant to be accompanied by the lute, which lends it a particularly intimate and hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Even the words evoke an earlier time—the line, “Prendi questo mie strale” (take one of my arrows) evokes images of bows and arrows. Any performer of “Amarilli, mia bella” will want to sing with a hushed sotto voce (soft singing) throughout with exquisite legato phrasing. Here are the “Amarilli, mia bella” lyrics and “Amarilli, mia bella” translation:

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Amarilli, mia bella lyrics

Amarilli, mia bella,
Non credi, o del mio cor,
dolce desio,
D’esser tu l’amor mio?
Credilo pur:
e se timor t’assale,
Prendi questo mie strale
Aprimi il petto.
e vedrai scritto in core:
Amarilli, Amarilli, Amarilli
è il mio amore.

***

Amaryllis, my beloved,
Do you not believe
Sweet desired one,
That you are my love?
Believe only this:
And if fear assails you,
Take one of my arrows
Open my breast
And see written in my heart,
Amaryllis, Amaryllis, Amaryllis
Is my beloved.

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Many of the best singers of today have recorded this song, often with lute accompaniment. Here are a few of the best performances on YouTube.

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Our first example is a video performance of an excellent soprano accompanied by a lute player. The real star of this show is the lutenist, who plays with gorgeous tone and real passion.

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Our second example is baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky, also performing with lute accompaniment. This superb opera singer also possesses a remarkable sotto voce vocal style, which he employs to great effect in this riveting performance.

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Our final example is the illustrious Dame Janet Baker performing “Amarilli, mia bella” with full orchestra in which a lute player is featured, as well. Her singing is hushed and superb as is the orchestral performance.

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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!

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