“Delizie contente”

Online Courses & Singing Lessons on Zoom

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

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“Delizie, contente”, from the opera Giasone by, Francesco Cavalli is about the “off-hours” (romantic downtime) of Jason, the Argonaut of Greek mythology who stole the Golden Fleece.

This wildly popular opera of the 17th century, with an appropriately convoluted plot, paints a not-too-flattering and humorous portrait of a young hero who seems to have only one thing on his mind! Against this backdrop, we have the sensuously evocative “Delizie contente.”

Here are the “Delizie, contente” lyrics and “Delizie, contente” translation, as well as representative performances in several voice types. In the original opera, the role of Jason was sung by a male soprano (castrato).

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“Delizie, contente”
Francesco Cavalli
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Delizie contente lyrics

Delizie contente, che l’alma beate fermate.
Su questo mio core deh più,
deh più non stillate le gioie d’amore.
Delizie mie care, fermatevi qui:
non so più bramare, mi basta così.
In grembo agli amori fra dolci catene morir,
morir mi conviene, dolcezza omicida a morte,
a morte mi guida, mi guida in braccio al mio bene.

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Joyful delights, making my soul blissful, come to an end.
On my very heart
do not trickle the joys of love any more.
Dear pleasures, come to an end now:
I cannot desire any longer, it is enough.
In Cupid’s lap, in sweet chains I would like to expire.
Mortal sweetness, guide me to death
in the arms of my beloved.

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Our first performance is from mezzo-soprano, Cecilia Bartoli.

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Our next performance is a countertenor with an original instruments ensemble.

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Our next performance is from tenor, Juan Carlos Cerna.

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Our next performance is from baritone, Emiliano Géant.

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Our next performance is from a “traditional” staging of the opera with mezzo-soprano, Maria Sanner in the role of Jason.

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NON-TRADITIONAL STAGINGS…

Okay, put the kids to bed before you view this one; it’s risqué and definitely out there! Yet, this modern-dress (or undressed!) staging of “Delizie contente” richly expresses the meaning of this alluring aria. Lights, camera, action…

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And now for a modern staging of “Delizie contente” that captures the comic elements of this opera beautifully; in fact, it’s just plain goofy! Do we really need to see Jason taking a bubble bath? Well, sure. Who says classical song has to be so serious? Enjoy!

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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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–HIGH KEY–

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(back to the top…)
Metronome marking:

Tonic note pitch:

Also . . .

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ENTIRE ACCOMPANIMENT ONLY (high or low key. Note! Almost all performances presented on YouTube are in f-minor key):

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FULL PERFORMANCE:

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