Riccardo Broschi: Ombra Fedele Anch'io, from Idaspe

This study video is NOT presented for the voices. First, the merged countertenor and soprano voices are not the high quality of an Andreas Scholl or a Gundula Janowitz. Second, Their imprecise technique, breathiness, phasing, scooping, and vibrato are contrary to the qualities required of this castrato aria written by Riccardo Broschi for his brother Carlo. What this soundtrack does demonstrate very clearly is the expected Baroque style of added ornamentation and performer interpretation departing from the basic A-B-A musical score, especially in the da capo section. A keyboard / vocal transcription is provided along with the audio track so that the viewer can perceive those departures from the score, especially in the repeated theme. sfkcbf

Idaspe, by Riccardo Broschi (1698-1756). Dario’s aria, Act II, Scene XI.

Ombra fedele anch’io / Sul margin di Lete / Seguir vo’l’Idol mio / Che tanto adoro. //
Che bella pace e questa / Ch’a consolar sen resta / Il mio martoro. // (repeat theme)///
As a faithful shade, I too / On the banks of Lethe / Will follow my idol / Whom I adore. //
What lovely peace is this / That alone can console / My suffering. // (repeat theme.)