“Sebben crudele”

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

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“Sebben crudele,” we are told by various sources, comes from an opera by Antonio Caldara entitled, La costanza in amore vince l’inganno (Constancy in Love Triumphs over Wickedness). This opera is also the source for several other well-known Italian songs: “Alma del core” and “Selve amiche.” It is an enduring favorite of young singers — almost anyone sounds good singing “Sebben, crudele”! The melody is beautiful and respectfully stays within the treble staff. This makes it an ideal piece for beginning singers comfortable with their middle voice, but not yet ready to go higher. Here are the “Sebben, crudele” lyrics and “Sebben, crudele” translation:
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Sebben, Crudele lyrics

Sebben, crudele,
mi fai languir,
sempre fedele,
ti voglio amar.
Con la lunghezza
del mio servir,
la tua fierezza,
saprò stancar.

***
Though, cruel one,
You make me languish,
Always faithfully
It is you I want to love.
With the length
Of my servitude,
Your fiery temper
I will be able to extinguish.

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In honor of the many students throughout history who have sung “Sebben, crudele,” I am delighted to include this student performance from YouTube as a stellar example of this hauntingly beautiful Italian song. This unknown singer (no name is provided!) possesses an extraordinarily beautiful mezzo-contralto voice and sings with excellent phrasing, composure, and touching emotion. Brava!

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Our next example is sung by tenor Javier Camerena in recital with piano. He, also, brings a haunting poignancy to this song and has a wonderful command of soft singing (sotto voce).

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Our next example is baritone Krum Galabov.

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Our next example is mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker performing with an orchestra of Baroque period-instruments. This “deluxe” version of “Sebben, crudele” gives us some sense of what the aria may have sounded like when it was first performed. Enjoy!

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ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES:

Here is an excellent diction tape, also from YouTube, which gives precise pronunciation by a native Italian speaker of “Sebben, crudele.”

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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:

Click here for 90 BPM

Tonic note pitch:

Click here for the tone: E

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ENTIRE ACCOMPANIMENT ONLY (high key):

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FULL PERFORMANCE:

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BOTTOM OF PG. 44, MEASURE 15: “Sebben, crudele, mi fai languir, sempre fedele ti voglio amar . . .”

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PG. 45, MEASURE 35: “Con la lunghezza del mio servir, la tua fierezza, saprò stancar . . .”

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TOP OF PG. 46, MEASURE 45: “la tua fierezza, saprò stancar . . .”

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PG. 46, MEASURE 49: “Sebben, crudele, mi fai languir, sempre fedele ti voglio amar . . .”

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TOP OF PG. 47, MEASURE 63: “Sebben, crudele, mi fai languir, sempre fedele ti voglio amar . . .”

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PG. 47, MEASURE 75: “Sebben, crudele, mi fai languir, sempre fedele ti voglio amar.”

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–LOW KEY–