Berenice
Program Notes: Rudolph Palmer / Translation: John Ostendorf
The premiere of Handel's Berenice in
London on May 18, 1737 came at a low
point in the composer's life. From 1710the year he first set foot on English soiluntil the night of the premiere, Handel
had been at the center of London's
musical life. Starting in 1719, he had been
largely responsible for bringing Italian
opera-and virtuosic Italian singers-to
the London stage. But by 1737, the year
Berenice premiered-and
then disappeared after only four performances (the
fewest of any of Handel's operas)Italian opera and, it seemed, Handel
himself, had fallen from favor with both
the general public and the high-born
Englishmen who had underwritten
London's operatic activities. The road to
ruin was as long and tangled as a
Handelian plot.
When Handel arrived in England in 1710,
he found a country more accustomed to
music as an accompaniment to spoken
drama than as a vehicle for drama.
Resistance to a foreign form which presented a story in song never completely
disappeared and, in the end, was one
factor leading to the eclipse of Italian
-
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opera in London. But not before it enjoyed
a brief-and brilliant-run on the capital's
stages, largely under George Frideric
Handel's direction.
George Frlderle
Handel
Handel, already an established composer
when he came to London from Italy,
quickly ingratiated himself with English
nobility and royalty; by 1717 he was being
described as "His Majesty's principal
Court Composer." His first three operas in
London-Rinaldo
(premiered 1711), II
Pastor Fido and Teseo (both 1712) enjoyed
some success. But it wasn't until 1719,
when some of Handel's high-born friends
saw the possibility of reaping financial
profit from opera, that Italian opera really
took hold in the English capital.
That year, a group of noblemen joined
together to erect "an academy at the
Haymarket..."
The investors, who dubbed
their venture the Royal Academy of
Music, named Handel "master of the
Orchestra with a sallary/' and on May 14,
1719, Handel headed to Italy to recruit
singers for the new company.
These singers, as much as the operas
written by Handel and other composers,
most notably Bononcini and Attilio
(Ariosti), contributed both to the wild
cause Handel the greatest grief came from
the alto castrataSenesino,who, in 1733
had a hand in the formation of a rival
company to Handel's known at the time
variously as "Senesino's Opera" or "The
Opera at Lincoln's-Inn Fields" and later
as "Opera of the Nobility," because of its
support by many of Handel's former
patrons.
The formation of SenesinD's company
came five years after the financially
troubled Royal Academy had been
dissolved and control turned over to
Handel and John Jacob Heidegger, an
impressario and the Academy's manager.
After assuming control, the two had to
rebuild from the ground up, as many of
the Academy's singers had already
returned to the continent, among them
Senesino, a star of the Royal Academy for
the eight years of its existence. His
popularity and ultimate failure of opera in absence was sorely felt and the first
season of HAndel's reorganized company
18th-century
London. English audiences,
WASessentiAlly A fAilure.Lured by a
once described AShaving "vile tAstes" by
Mrs. PendArves, A friend of Ilandel, mAY hugely inflAted sAlary,the castrata did
return for the following season and his
not hAve understood
or AppreciAted the
convoluted plots And foreign tongul' of
renppefll'nnce in 1730 reportedly "charm'd
ItAlian operA, but they could grAsp A good ml1ch."
rivalry, And the ItAliAn singers providvd A l)espilL' the continuation of a Handel-run
steAdy supply of fireworks. 'l'he l1l'stknown dud WASbetween the divns
Cuzzoni And FaustinA.
But the display
('(H11pnny nnd the premieres of several of
his new operas during the close of the
lwenties and first years of the thirties
of sing<::r's ego thAt wns to (Siroe nnd Tolomeo in 1728, Poro in 1731,
.:J.
and Sosarme in 1732) there were strong
indications that Italian opera, never on
firm footing in England, was slipping
further out of favor with English
audiences. The most dramatic evidence
Handel could have had for their apparent
desire for simpler plots, presented in a
familiar language, was the great success
of his first English-language oratorio,
Esther, premiered in 1732. But despite
direct suggestions from friends to write
English operas for native audiences and
despite the growing success of a budding
English opera; the wild popularity of John
Gay's burlesque, A Beggar's Opera; and
even the success of his own Esther,
Handel clung stubbornly to Italian opera,
a form he knew intimately and of which
he was a supreme master.
It would appear that on top of their
boredom with Italian opera and with the
King George I/, Handel's principal royal patron
endless feuds among Handel's singers,
the nobility that provided a substantial
masseto join the upstart ensemble.
In 1734, Handel's longtime partner, Heiportion of the company's funding were
degger, added insult to injury by leasing
fed up with Handel himself. Their
displeasure with his "imperious and
the Haymarket theater to SenesinD's new
extravagant Will," as one press account
company. Reports in 1735 indicate
put it, eventually led to the formation of
Handel's productions playing to nearly
the rival opera company with a cast
empty houses at his new digs in Covent
headed by Senesino and comprising the
Garden, while his rivals were drawing
enthusiastic crowds with their newest
remainder of Handel's singers, whowith the exception of the loyal soprano
imported star, the castrato Farinelli.
Anna Maria Strada-had decamped en
Handel still enjoyed the support of the
-3-
royal court and
even received
funding from the
Prince of Wales, a
major backer of
Senesino's company. But London,
which could barely
support one opera
company, could
certainly not
Conductor
Rudolph
Palmer sustain two.
The competing enterprises survived for
another four seasons and then both
collapsed, but not before Berenice-one
of Handel's last operas-saw the light
of day.
Years of seeing his singers and patrons
desert him and decades of championing
an art form that was misunderstood by
audiences and overly expensive to produce, in a climate wracked by rivalries
among the artists and patrons, had taken
its toll on Handel. In April of 1737, just a
month before the Berenice premiere, the
maestro suffered a minor, but debilitating
stroke, which prevented him from being
present at the premiere of his latest
creation.
What appeared at that time as a tragic
end to a glorious career was, in fact, a
turning point, for after Handel's return
from taking the cure on the continent, the
composer was to spend the next few years
gradually shifting his attentions from his
beloved opera to oratorio, the form that
would bring him renewed acclaim from
the audiences of the day.
Handel composed his three-act Italian
drama Berenice in the last weeks of 1736
and finished it in January of 1737. The
librettist Antonio Salvai-his collaborator
on Rodelinda (1725)-supplied Berenice,
regina d'Egitto, a subject which had
previously been set to music by Jacopo
Perti and ironically by Nicola Porpora,
who was to later direct Senesino's Opera.
Handel's choice of Berenice could not
have been coincidence; it was to be his
final thrust against a competitor for the
affections of London audiences.
Salvai's story, set in ancient Egypt, was
subtitled "The Contests of Love and
Politics," and was filled with the
customary amorous intrigues, deceit,
ambition, and fidelity-the stuff of some
of Handel's most inspired and glorious
musical settings.
Though Handel could not be present at
the premiere, it was attended by the King
and Queen and several of their children.
Anna Strada sang the title role, Gioacchino Conti sang Alessandro, and Signora
Bertolli who had decamped from the nowdefunct rival troupe to join Handel's
company, took the mezzo role of Princess
Selene. The bravura part of Demetrio
went to Domanico Annibali, Prince Arsace
-1-
to Negri and the two lower male roles to Fireworks.
John Beard and Thomas Reinhold.
The virtuosic vocal writing, occasioned
No contemporary accounts of Berenice's
by the egoistic demands of his singers, is
launch have survived, although Charles
well-represented in Berenice. Each of the
Burney, the 18th-century music historian, seven principals enjoys the kind of
described the minuet as "happy and
challenging solo writing that thrills the
modern listener as much as it did 18thpleasing to an uncommon degree."
The score of the opera was published by
century London audiences.
John Walsh in June 1737. Several airs from Knowing what we do now about the
the score were borrowed by the composer shaky state of opera's economics in
for one of his many pasticciooperas in
Handel's London-particularly
after the
February 1738.Aside from a single
formation of Senesino's Opera-one
revival of Berenice, supposedly offered in wonders if Berenice's simple, yet effective
Brunswick in 1743 in a production not
scoring for strings, oboes, and continuo
was as much a financial as an artistic
overseen by the composer, the work has
remained unknown for centuries except
decision. There are many occasionsfor its overture and one popular aria.
among them the heroic BereniceIronically, the latter, "Si, tra i ceppi" -now
Demetrio duet of love and vengeance
a standard of vocal anthologies-was not ending Act I ("Se il mio amor fu il tuo
part of Handel's main score, but rather an delitto"), as well as the ceremonial
orchestral movements-that
lend themossiafor Demetrio,which we present on
this premiere recording because of its
selves to scoring for trumpets, horns and
superior musical inventiveness as well
timpani. Was it budgetary considerations
as its obvious and enduring appeal.
or Handel's rush to present a new work to
Aside from those two well-known
match his rivals' offerings? We can't know
for sure. But we do know that there was
selections, this work offers the modern
listener many other pleasures. Handel
no shortage of large forces later in his
himself must have been pleased with the career, when Handel, fully recovered
work, as he borrowed from it later in his
from his illness, proceeded to pen some
career, reworking Berenice's Act Two
of his most glorious and enduring music,
aria, "Sempre dolci" into Clomiri's aria
including several new operas and
"V'e un infelice" in Imeneo (1740), and
numerous richly scored oratorios.
reusing themes from the third-act
~~~
Sinfonia in his 1749 Music for the Royal
-5-
Berenice's Plot
Egypt, Middle Roman Empire (c. 100 AD)
ACT 1. Queen
attends
the
BERENICE
Roman
(soprano)
FABIO
her that the Senate
ambassador
(tenor). Fabio informs
wishes her to wed the young Roman
noble ALESSANDRO (soprano) who
accompanies him. But Berenice is
betrothed to Prince DEMETRIO (mezzo),
and refuses to be instructed in this matter;
Alessandro is instantly smitten. Yet he
refuses to press Rome's suit on his own
behalf, declaring that Berenice must offer
him her hand herself.
Prince Demetrio actually loves SELENE
(mezzo), the Queen's sister. In order to
thwart Berenice and set his beloved on the
throne, Demetrio
has plotted with an
Egyptian enemy to overthrow the Queen.
ARISTOBOLO (bass), head minister,
announces that because Berenice spurns
Rome's offer, Alessandro must now seek
Selene's hand. Berenice determines to
thwart this plan, and tricks Selene into
agreeing to a union with Prince ARSACE
(countertenor).
ACT II. Ambassador Fabio predicts
Roman conflict with Egypt. Selene
defends herself to her lover, claiming she
is only using Arsace to ultimately win
Demetrio and defeat her sister. Demetrio
again reveals his secret activities. The
Queen overhears this and discovers
the secret love affair; she summons her
guards to take Demetrio away. Even after
Arsace offers to relinquish Selene to
Alessandro to spare warfare, Alessandro
refuses: he longs only for Berenice.
Demetrio is brought before the Queen, but
defies her. Love alone, love for Selene
inspires him. The Queen is furious.
ACT III. The Queen is presented with
letters confirming Demetrio's treachery;
now nothing stands in the way of his
execution. In a dazed state, she removes
the royal signet ring from her finger, and
gives it to Fabio. Whoever returns it, she
says, may claim her. He gives the Queen's
ring to Alessandro. Selene promises
Arsace her hand if he can win Demetrio's
freedom. Arsace asks Ales-sandro's
help
in freeing Demetrio. Arsace determines to
convince the Queen of the Roman's true
love for her. Berenice is prepared to kill
herself, but first wants to see Demetrio
executed. Both Selene and even Arsace
beg for mercy for Demetrio. The Queen's
ring is returned, but Alessandro still
refuses to press a claim for her hand, the
Queen is moved. In a sudden impulse,
she offers herself and her throne to
Alessandro.
Demetrio
is pardoned;
Prince Arsace
generously renounces his own claim
Selene,
-6-
and all the lovers are united.
on
Berenice
ACTONE
OVERTURE
TRACKS
1-4
Maestoso I Allegro I Minuet I Gigue
Queen Berenice's
throne room in the Egyptian caPital.
RECITATIVE
Berenice
(accompanied
Aristobolo, a noi venga il Romano
(Tacete,
Berenice,
voi moti del pensiero,
cor l'impero
amor
Fabio
(approaches
al tuo soglio
sinora
by her advisor
ambasciator.
e a regolar
e maesta.)
quella
stessa
Aristobolo,
my secret
Meco sedete!
it, majesty
rule my heart
ate
Prince
ch'ebbe
Alessandro
Queen,
conferma.
(gazing
(Che maesta!
with
at Queen
Emperor
Berenice
envoy be brought
thoughts.
now.)
and other
is instantly
(What majesty
My Lords,
Roman
alliance
before
me.
Let love for Egypt and
be seated.
envoys)
Silla and the Roman
our longstanding
che volto!)
and attendant»
let the Roman
(Be silent,
amista,
Alessandro
guard>~
di questo
the throne
per me Silla e'l Senato,
TRACK
5
Aristobolo,
Senate
reaffirm
with your kingdom.
smitten)
and bearing!)
Berenice
Di Silla e del Senato
E brama
essandro,
poi ch'un
amico
per compagno
io l'amistade
di Roma,
e consorte
accetto.
I welcome
the friendship
Fabio
(in a stem
and formal
eccolo,
egli eA!-
He petitions
al trono
accetti.
husband
of your Senate
and Emperor.
tone)
you to accept
this friend
as both ally and as
of Rome-Prince
Alessandro.
Berenice
Con pretesto
di zel Roma pretende
tiranneggiare
del mio cor gli affetti?
Under
the guise of friendship,
the affections
Rome would
thus force
of my heart?
Alessandro
(Che bel orgoglio!)
(What handsome
Fabio
fury!)
Sai... But you must realize...
Berenice
Basta! Enough!
Alessandro
(Oh! bel sdegno!) (What admirable disdain!)
Berenice
Chi di questo diadema s'adornera, consorte mio, la What spouse will place the marriage laurel on my
chioma, vo che a me n'abbia grado, e non a Roma! brow? Let him be worthy of my choice, not Rome's!
-7-
----ARIA
Berenice
No, che servire
Ne a questo
altrui,
regio
quest'anima
non sa, no!
core altri che il Fato e Amore
Dar legge mai potra!
No, che servire
No! This head will not bow before
None
RECITATIVE
Alessandro
TRACI(
6
the whims
of others!
but fate and love will ever hold sway
RECITATIVE
sprezza
Ie tue nozze,
i consigli.E
s'ella
Heavens,
Alessandro,
a Selene volgi tutto il tuo amor.
Berenice
spurns
Alessandro
Non puo alla sua voglia amar
e disamar
il nostro
Lo vuol ragio
core.
di stato!
Rome's
wishes
Fabio
mail
di Mitridate
amico.
Pensa,
ti lascia
omai.
E pili sagace
cio che giova ad amar,
da questo
impara
non cio che piace.
you, ask for her sister
do not rule the passions
Selene's
will: if
Berenice
loves Demetrio,
I should
No, Fabio,
love any other
beauty all reason
face confounds
than
you are very wrong!
the Senate's
is blind.
legislation!
TRACK
10
How can you resist...
RECITATIVE
TRACK
11
(Princess Selene's royal chamhers.)
Beloved,
Selene
don't
sigh...
Ah!troppo io t'amo. Parti.. ButIlove youso. Yetyoumust gonow...
Demetrio
King Mitridate's
secret
Perche? But why?
ally.
Selene (anxiously looking at the door)
(Gods! What am I hearing?)
"
about
That beguiling
Che sara...
of this heat1.
Fabio
seek profit
Selene?
Berenice?
In the face of her flaming
ogni consiglio!
hand.
What ever does that mean?
this: is it not wiser
from love rather
at this early stage to
TRACK
8
Ne s'arresta ancor che bello sembria lei He never stops, no matter how sweet this or that bloom,
Di questo e quello solo e semplice il color but always buzzes on, attracted to the color of the next.
Consider the clever bee...
(Fahioand his entourage depart, leaving the young Prince musing)
Gelosa del tuo amor e la mia fiera germana. My envious sister resents any attention you pay
Ti vieta anco il miranni! me. She doesn't want you to even look my way!
Demetrio
E la mia fiamma per te, bell'idol mio, mai Dear one, the love I feel for you can never
sapro estinguere. be extinguished.
than pleasure?
Vedi l'ape ch'ingegnosa su quei fior Consider the clever bee: how he flits back and forth
Vola e si posa dove pili trova d'umor. amidst the blossoms, wherever it best suits him.
-8-
e quel bel ciglio
del Senato
Cara, non sospirar...
ARIA
Fabio
Vedil'ape...
ogni ragione,
Princess
Quanto vaga sarebbe amorosa Her love is even more appetizing when, at first
Se fiera e sdegnosa quel'alma invaghJ! haughty and disdainful, she later surrenders!
,
you must obey the Senate's
Yes, but realltywill!
Think
the ravishing
Demetrio
Alessandro
(Oh! Dei! che intendo?)
Lwed
Ai rai di quel sembiante
Che sara quando amante accarezza How can you resist when your lover caresses you
Se mentre disprezza alletta COSI? or when she is angry and stomps off?
Fabio
Ella adoraDemetrio,
che della bella Berenice
t'inganni!
ARIA
Alessandro
Alessandro
E perche
10 d'altri
Fabio,
TRACK
7
Fabio (disgustedwithhisyoungcharge)
siegui del Senato
Selene?
confonde
No! This head will not...
Alessandro
(excited, alone with Fabio and the Roman contingent)
Fabio, vedesti mai pili bell'orgoglio? Oh, Fabio have you ever witnessed such noble anger? Oh,
quanto m'innamora! how she enflames me!
0 Dei! Alessandro
lo...di
amante?
s'oscura
over this breast!
altrui...
TRACK
9
Selene
"
Vanne! Se qui ti trova.. Now go. If you were to be discovered here...
Demetrio
10 sapro fingere.. I'd know how to fake some excuse...
Selene (hitterly)
Ti vuole al trono! She wants you to take the throne with her!
Demetrio (loving, soothing)
Ed io che regni senza te, cara mia speme? Sappi, con And rule without you by me, dear hope? Know this:
-9-
- - ---Con gli strati d'amor
Callgia morte talor I'armi omicide.
Demetrio
...col suo aiuto deposta la superba germalla ...and with his aid, the Princess Selene will depose
n'andra Selene al soglio. her haughty sister alId ascend the Egyptian throne!
..
Selene
Love listens to no reason!
ARIA
Demetrio
No, soffrir
non puo il mio amore,
Che non regni
tua belta.
Chi da legge a questo
Legge al mondo
ancor
No, my passion
TRACK
12
,,@stop
at nothing
to see your beauty
triumph.
core
For she who rules
over this heart
dara.
shall also reign
No, soffrir...
over the entire
E con diversa sorte At fate's whim, death will first
mia, cosl il mio regno...
TRACI<
13
(Per
sicuro
e Demetrio!)
I voler
my own peace
(completely
Dunque...volontaria
Selene
Tutti i piaceri
!freeze alId burn...
TRACK
14
Aristobolo
(alone, sadly musing)
AlIa quiete d'Egitto, che Demetrio si svene For Eh'YPtianpeace alId for the common good,
il popol chiede. L'amor di Berenice e il suo delitto Demetrio must die. Berenice's love condemns him.
e sia d'amor la morte sua mercede! Death is the prize for her love!
consenti?
Demetrio).
Yes, I agree
had expected
So...you
a union
Poss'io
Might I know
my husband-to-be?
Berenice
Ola, Prence!
to your desires.
the Queen)
rests entirely
10 sposo?
satisfy...
freely give your consent?
who have accompanied
My happiness
saper
would
resistance)
tuoi son miei contenti.
on yours,
You shall meet him presently.
sister.
Come forward,
Prince!
Selene (horrified as PrinceArsace-not Demetri~nters)
(Chemiro?10son delusa!) (Whomdo I see?Ah,I've been deceived!)
Arsace
Poss'io sperar... Might! but hope...
Berenice
Non vedi? Ella consente.
II suo rossor
Didn't
l'accusa!
you hear,
Arsace,
Do not her blushes
she has already
(hoth coquettish
and
quel bel vermiglio
TRACI<
17
devious, sensing Selene's distress)
Love speaks
-Il-
consented!
give her away?
ARIA
Berenice
Dice, Arnor,
-10-
(It's surely
surprised-she
(to the courtiers
of mind-such
Selene
miei a te sommetto.
Berenice
Or 10 vedai.
I consider... !fear... Hope frees me a moment,
then I faint and awaken to yet more dread.
RECITATIVE
TRACI<16
Berenice (enters her sister's rooms with attendants)
Ascolta, e ali'alma quiete comparti: Hear me, Selene, and open your serene heart to me:
Prence di regio sallgue m) chiede i tuoi sponsali... A certain prince has asked me for your hand...
Selene (happily excited)
(Esso e Demetrio!) (Oh, it must be Demetrio!)
empire.
Gelo, avvampo, considero e sento I freeze alId burn to think of this, alId
Con doppio tormento il gelo e I'ardor! my icy, fiery torment redoubles!
Gelo, avvampo...
Beguiling alId amorous...
RECITATIVE
Berenice (has no idea of Selene's thoughts, nor of her secret affair with Demetl'io)
La ragione di stato cosl \~lOlee il Senato, coslla quiete The good of our realm, the Roman Senate's wishes,
Aristobolo (enters Selene's rooms, hut does not see Demetrio departing)
Selene, oh Dei! Dov'e Demetrio? Roma pretende che Selene, Heavens, where is Prince Demetrio? Rome
Berenice, senza pOl' dimora, sposi Alessalldro, e che insists that your sister take Alessalldro's hand at
Demetrio mora. once, alId is asking for Demetrio's execution.
Selene
Penso... temo... di speme mi pasco
E rinasco tra speme e timor.
enflame the heart and then love will destroy it.
Con gli strali...
No, my passion...
RECITATIVE / ARIA
Beh'lliling and amorous glallces
Call suddenly become deadly weapons.
Accende i cuor la morte e amor gli uccide.
A qual periglio, caro, t'esponi! To such dallger, love, to so recklessly expose yourself1
Demetrio
Amor non vuol consiglio!
TRACK
15
ARIA
Aristobolo
Mitridate secreta intelJigenza io presi... I am in King Mitridate's most intimate confidence..
Selene (shocked at this confession of treason)
Oh Dei! Good Gods!
in charming,
rosy accents
--Che raccolto
Sembra
su quel volto
rosa in grembo
a giglio.
a rosa.
face
Alessandro
its own heartfelt,
and causes
Alessandro,
adora,
the lily itself to blush.
Diceamor...
(alone
che pensi? Se te disprezza,
la bella Berenice,
illei
sempre,
adoro,
cor sperar
(rushes
Ne pur Ie regie porte
in, sword
Alessandro
(quickly
Assalito
[ndietro
Berenice
Traditori!
guardie...
Felloni! Aristobolo,
E pure
Fabio
con I'arte.)
m'ami
Arsace,
(Yes, [must
dunque?
Arsace,
employ
some guile here.)
Ie regie
Then [seek
Arsace
Tntto m'impegno.
Solo coli' opre
proof
Demetrio
Only through
worthy
deeds
alcuna
qual pargoletto
Mi
Or che speranza
il pasce
in cuna,
can you prove
yourself
of my love!
Tutto
TRACK
19
Love has struggled
rotte l'anguste
amor
fasce
divien.
Senzanudrisce...
But now that hope
discarded,
Love struggles..
-12-
al valore
deggio
e quieto,
0 Regina.
II solo aspetto
lives, these
fights
under
to an innocent
off the attackers)
attack?
with
attendants)
Traitors'
Criminals'
Back
off, you villains!
Aristobolo,
summon
At least you are safe, dear Demetrio,
Demetrio's
(Wretched
the guard!
my love!
rescue)
Fate!)
Demetrio,
they have tried to turn my love for you into
a death warrant!
(his attention
la vita.
d'Alessandro
calma
in my heart like an infant
and the propsect
assailants)
offer sanctuaJY
[owe
elsewhere)
my life to Alessandro's
valor.
humble
la fellonia.
(Gran
trappings
of love looms
large.
My queen,
alone
calm is restored.
quelled
Berenice
Alessandro's
presence
the uprising.
(Granvirtu!) (Whatvirtue!)
Fabio
stava amor nel sen. in its crib, deprived of nourishment.
Gigante
by armed
doors
(Ohime! Cheintendo?)
(Oh no! What do [hear?)
Berenice C~lancing at Alessandro, with curiosity)
Tanto rispetta il merto tuo sino il rivale. Even your rival regards you higWy.
Aristobolo
ARIA
Arsace
Senza nudrisce
[even
I'll love her forever;
Fabio
Ask me anything.
degno!
sword,
Demetrio
witnessed
alia morte Ie penne al pie
somministrommi
amore!
D'Alessandro
ofyourlove!
Selene
tue renditi
what hope
heart?
Berenice
Per sottrarti
Auzi('adoro. [worship you!
Selene
del tno amor.
and
sorte!)
Well, Prince
so you say you love me?
Arsace
Vo' prova
pursued
his own
olil!
idol mio!
(has entered
radiant
fugitive?
(entering
opponi
salvo sei, Demetrio,
[fthe
you, if she loves Demetrio,
my own rival. Ah, if Fate had only...
a will the palace
drawing
Demetrio
(Perfida
cosll'arte
in hand,
d'asilo
what are you thinking?
loathes
adntire
un'innocente?
(10 son confusa, ne so che dir...) ([ am dumbstruck; what can [say?)
Arsace (he takes her hand)
E m'e I'onor permesso, mia signora, chiamarti Permit me, my lady. Do [dare address you as my
anzi mia sposa? fiancee?
Selene
Berenice
for this wretched
la sorte...
serviranno
hall in the palace)
Alessandro,
che
anzi il mio rivale
e si giammai
Demetrio
TRACK
18
in an open
e se Demetrio
al tuo povero
lice? Sl, che l'amero
Love speaks...
RECITATIVE
Arsace (gently, to Selene)
Principcssa,cd ever... Princess, can it be true...
Selene
(Sl, deludi
TRACK
20
RECITATIVE
soul.
Love then speaks
sacred sentiments
de quel core
Che par giglio in grembo
to show its scarlet
to the lily's white
Dice fede, e fe di sposa
II candore
and seems
pazzia!)
are
Alessandro,
ate devo...
(What folly!)
Berenice
Prince
Alessandro,
[am
much
(Thisembarrasses
thePrince;hebacks
away)
-13-
in your debt...
----RECITATIVE
Alessandro
Ah no, Regina!
riflesso
Non Ii chiedo
del tuo amore
in altrui,
mercede.
Amo il No, Queen,
e a te servendo
servo
lui
a me stesso!
1 ask no thanks.
love for another
another,
nourishes
you attend
The mere
me. Thus,
image
in atteneling
me as well!
ARIA
Alessandro
ch'e caro a chi adorn
That which
Deve ancora
esser
is also precious
Non aspira
carn alluio
a pietosa
cor.
mercede
Generosa
la pura mia fede,
Brama sol meritarne
I' onor.
Quell'oggetto..
is precious
to the one 1 adore
to this heart.
My pure
fidelity looks
rewards,
honor's
but only seeks
merits.
That which
not for pity's
t
I)
(Oh Dei!)
Che dunque
a un regio
figlio mancheranno
(Oh Gods!)
Regine?
A Berenice
parlo,
non a Demetrio!
Ella risponda.
S1, rispondi,
Non posso
is precious...
Regina!
1 address
E si confonda.
secondar
di Roma
TRACK
22
Selene
(This man is a saint!)
DUET
Berenice/Demetrio
fu il tuo/mio
E s'io piango
anco l'Egitto
delitto,
ancor
sara!
del mio duol non ridera!
crime,
i votl.
't
If my love..
e corona,
(alone
e sposa.
Selene
No, non vi voglio!
Without
or crown.
-14-
chambers)
my beloved
Selene,
Queen.
You hesitate?
1 care nothing
Away! 1 seek you no longer!
for sceptre
agree
to Rome's
plans.
is already
engaged.
To whom?
Berenice
(enjoying
the moment)
D'Arsace.
To Arsace.
Demetrio
(This kills me.)
Fabio
(Son confuso!)
TRACI<
1
1 cannot
Fabio
Fabio
1
in the Queen's
adelio!
Let her answer.
Why not?
(Son morto.)
ACT II
ARIOSO
Demetrio
not you, Demetrio.
Berenice
Di chi?
END CD I
Se non ho I'idol mio, scettrn
Egypt
Berenice
S1.Yes.
Demetrio
then so too shall be my vengeance.
And Egypt shall not exult over my grief!
Seilmioamor...
is to supply
Sposa? What? Engaged?
Demetrio (alarmed)
Selene? Selene?
TRACI<
23
If my love is my/your
Berenice,
Yes, answer,
Perche?
(Che finezza!) Mi siegui, anima mia, caro Demetrio. (What character!) Sweet Demetrio, come. Your
Aspetta grande al par del mio amor, la mia vendetta! enemies will find my revenge is as potent as my love!
Mia vendetta
Queen
Demetrio
Berenice
Se il mio amor
And then which
its royal heirs?
Fabio
Berenice
RECITATIVE
Demetrio
(Che valor!)
Demetrio
TRACK
21
Quell'oggetto
TRACI<
2
Fabio (enters, in conversation with Berenice)
Gia che per tuo consorte Alessandro rifiuti, Now that you refuse Alessandro as consort, Rome
or Roma chiede di Selene Ie nozze. wishes him to ask Selene's hand instead.
of your
(I am confused!)
Berenice
(Ro il cor contento.) (I am well pleased.)
Fabio (very anglY now)
Pace con Roma e guerra io Ii presento. 1 offer you either peace with Rome or war. Decide!
-15-
ARIOSO
ARIA
Demetrio
TRACK
3
insignia in his anger)
Fabio (rips offhis
Guerra e pace, Egizia terra a te porto
In questo grembo.
Giitfatale io scuoto lembo,
Non vuoi pace, eccoti guerra!
Su, Megera,
In this moment of fury I can declare either war or
peace for Egypt.
The fateful sword is poised. You do not
wish peace? Then prepare for your destruction!
RECITATIVE
Berenice
L'empio
TRACK
4
Anzi a'grand'opre
cor, or che in periglio
aspira
questo
vede il suo amor,
mio
infedel
sia sempre
Che si bella comparve
mighty
e la sua pace...
Berenice
very future
(totally
prepares
Mio bel sol, dove t'aggiri?
this!
Cia che tocchi
infida...
spergiurato
mia traditafede...
amore...
Ma folle! Opre richiede
di braccio
Arsace
la pace di questo
se piangera
regno
sapro
a Mitridate
tradito
amore
piegare
infedele:
unito.
Chiamero
l'lnferno.
a me.
mail
Per qual cagion?
TRACK6
be love's
unfaithful
Selene
arrow
to my heart.
that
has sent through
my soul.
Arise, spirits...
TRACK8
Radiant
goddess,
Whatever
where
you touch
are you strolling
or glance
now?
upon
I will worship.
Selene,
unfaithful...
scorns
my love... uuhappyDemetrio...
betrayed
This is folly! My pains
love... wretched
must not paralyze
But why?
Ate la lascio
me.
tears!
presumptuous
villain.
love. If Heaven
does
He'll yield before
not grantit,
e di timore,
non bramo
un Imeneo
di politica
ma quel che safonnar
I'll
Hell!
you must yield Selene to Alessandro...
muto
figlio
l'amore.
No, Arsace,
marriage,
keep
based
Selene!
I do not favor a political
on fear, one which
will kill love.
TRACK
10
on the
La bella mano
my own broken
I call upon
Arsace,
ARIA
Alessandro
this kingdom.
the aid of Hell itself to be avenged
Yes, for what reason?
Alessandro
heart...
girl from Arsace's
and topple
Cedila adAlessandro...
woman...
faithless
My rival will not gloat over Demetrio's
I shall invoke
TRACK
9
Aristobolo
(alone)
-16-
so delightful
Damned
Arsace
di ally myself with King Mitridate
se'l Ciel non
io movero
conviene
E perche
RECITATIVE
grasp.
del mio
e cia che miri
Sweet and loving...
I'll find a way to seize the wicked
Sconvolgero
10 scherno
in mio favore:
posso,
core!
il mio male
quella
Demetrio.
Cocito Ie furie tutte a vendicar
donna...
ingrato
non querelle
al mio rivale rapir
non ridera
perfida
infeliceDemetrio...
that seemed
me.
accursed
Aristobolo
(enters hastily with A1:,ace)
0 Dei! Fabio minaccia aspra guerra all'Egitto. Gods! Fabio is threatening war \\~th Ei,'YlJt.
Alessandro
Voi non siete men vezzose, men vivaci e lusinghiere You are no less lovable or charming
Qnando fiere vi volgete. when you tremble in rage.
Selene,
love forsakes
Let that day be forever
RECITATIVE
Sempre dolei ed amorose non vi voglio, 0 luci amate. Sweet and loving is not how I crave you, sweet eyes,
Auco irate mi piacete, luci amate! for when you flash with anger, then you excite me!
Demetrio
Adorar
TRACK
5
ARIA
Berenice
ACCOMPANIED
gentle
ARIOSO
Alessandro
thi,)
me to hear
banish
for a
true love and faith, its
This is just how I like you, it pleases
Sempre dolei...
nel seno m'aprl!
images
now that my wicked
quel dl
che amore
of the dead!
Cupid from my soul,
mi tram.
are threatened..
misinterpreting
Cosl voglio il tuo cor, cosl mi piace!
nowthat!ts
Let yonr hideous
Su, Megera...
not now that my heart
enterprise,
Arise, spirits
fugate
al mio core.
la piaga
Per l'ingrata
Aletto!
di lei cancellate,
Maledetto
Maledetta
No, your majesty,
la suafede
imago
Che spergiura
,I;'
Moltoafflitto,Demetrio,ancor paventi? Areyouso worried, Demetrio?
Demetrio
No, no, Regina.
Tisifone,
Dal mio petto Cnpido
TRACK
7
Senza del core
stringer
che mi piago
non VUO, no, non vuo!
The channing
heart
-17-
hand
to accompany
offered
to me, without
it I will not take. No!
a loving
Mel'offrein vana freddo,timore Youvainlyoffermeatimid,reluctanthandwhich
Dopacheamoremela nego hasalreadydeniedmelove!
Labellamana... Thecharminghand...
RECITATIVE
Arsace (watchesAlessandro depart)
Aristobolo,OhDei! Heavens,Aristobolo.
Aristobolo
Sospiri,Arsace? Youare upset, Prince Arsace?
Arsace
TRACK
11
Dunque svenar degg'io la quiete del cor mio? Must I suppress what my heart tells me?
Aristobolo
Si, generoso della tua patria ben, cedi Selene. Yes, friend: nobly surrender Selene foryonr conntry.
Arsace
orRome...
Ohamor,ohcrudasorte:OhEgitto,
ohRoma!Ohlove,cruelfate...Egypt
Ohmiesperanza,
ohmorte!Oh,mycherished
hopes...
dead!
ARIA
Arsace
TRACK
12
Amore contra amor combatte nel mio cor. One love wars with another within this breast:
Selene e gloria combatte nel mio cor! my love for Selene versus concern for Egypt's glory.
La
gloriavincerama quanto costed poi la vittoria? Egypt'sglory will win, but at what cost this victory?
Amorecontro
amor...
One love wars...
RECITATIVE
Aristobolo
TRACK
13
Tiranne degli'affetti! Politicamalnata ch'alginsto Affairs of state: so ontrageous and tyrannical. An honest
altrui voler sempre s'oppone. Sei di stato ragion man should resist them. We live in an age of supposed
senza ragione! reason, bnt in reality there is no reason!
ARIA
Aristobolo
TRACK
14
Senzate sarebbe il mondo Politics, without you this world would be a far less
Meno scaltro e piil fedel! slyand far more honest place!
Saria ogn'uno piil giocondo,
Avriail fate piil secondo
-
.
Every citizen would be more content,
could enjoy an assured future,
-18-
Mato svolgie terrae ciel! andyet,yonholdswayoverheavenandearth!
Senza
te... Politics,withoutyon...
RECITATIVE
Selene (alone in her apartments with Demetrio)
E qualfuror gelosoagitaI'almatua? Demetrio,whatjealouspassiongripsyon?
Demetro
Dov'e'i!tuosposo?Whereisyourfiance?
Selene
Demetrio...0 Del! Demetrio...Heavens!
Demetrio
TRACK
15
Lasciami,infida... Awayfrom me,youfaitWess..
Selene
Audace,chepretendi?CheVilOL..Howdareyou,whatareyouthinking...
Demetrio
..svenare
Arsace!Lasciami!...ofkilling Arsace.Letmealone!
Selene
Unsolmomentaraffrenai! tuofurore. Put yourangerasidefor amoment.
Demetrio
Perfida! VileSelene!
Selene
Amefedel?Areyoufaithfulto me?
Demetrio
Ingratocore!10solopertuoamorsanainfelice,per Wickedsoul!It is onlyfor mylovefor youI snffer
tedi BerenicerinuncioallettoeaItrono,ecan now!ForloveofyouI rejectBerenice'scrown,
pretestichesuggerisce
amore... herbed.I'veevenfakedloveto herin orderto...
Berenice (has silently entered and heard all this. She erupts infillY)
OIa!Siarresti! Ho!Guards!Seizehim!
Selene
(Misera!) (Howawful!)
Demetrio (drawing his sword)
Questamanosanarsapra! Letmyswordendmyownsuffering...
Selene
Frena
il furore,
insano!
Stop this madness,
Demetrio!
Demetrio
Deh, per pieta,
m'nccidi!
For pity's sake,
-19-
kill me now!
-"
Berenice
Cedi quel ferro!
Selene
(takes
degl' affetti miei...
Give me that sword!
itfi'Om
Prendi!
the stunned
Alessandro
Demetrio)
Ne del cor mio altri arbitro
Here, take it!
E tu, fellon,
Ie meritate
pene
da un grand'amore
offeso,
in breve
punishment
you shall presently
know
traditore,
cos1 voglio
di sembiante,
Cos1 perfido
Perche
Chiude
Wicked
di cor!
No, Fabio,
frame
oh Dio d'amor?
traitor,
how handsome
ancor
so treacherous
so rngged
(departs
E fra i tormento...
pene:
t'arresta.
Porgi
E tu, fellon,
a Arsace
senti Ie prime
a heart,
Demetrio
to me?
Serbero
ancor
(finally
revealling
mia fede e i ginramenti!
traitor..
S1, tra i ceppi
la man pronta,
(Misera,
Selene!
punisluuent:
Selene
che faro?)
As for you, brnte,
Selene,
knowyonr
offer your hand
Perfido,
Arsace,
contenti.
alIa publica
I minacciati
cedei
pace
(turns
ha gEl sacrificato
mali per toglier
al Prencipe
Alessandro
Silence,
to Amhassador
i suoi
all'Egitto,
oggi
i miei sponsali.
morte
di me non puo disporre
Arsace.
is too...
who
will sacrifice
welfare!
To spare
-20-
-
defies
her)
my vows to Selene
cannot
be threatened!
TRACK
18
chained
Not even death
extinguish
and tormented,
brightly!
can
this flame.
chained...
TRACK
19
Arsace
she is yours.
has entered)
Arsace
Arsace,
to the tower.
Selene (alone withArsace)
E' questo I'amor tuo? And what of the love you professed for me, Arsace?
fiend! Arsace,
)~eld Selene
Ne
himself,
Yes, although
Pubblico
his own happiness
this land the threat
to Prince
Alessandro
do not make
this generous
bene mi fa...
of war, I shall
I was not prepared
Non pili! Chi rinuncio
of Rome.
al mio letto e indegno
Selene
di
e del suo affetto!
for public
good forces
Oh stop! You have rejected
You are unworthy
of Selene
me to...
onr marriage
Sl
vows.
and her affections!
ARIA
Selene
offer to me.
for this. And as for
My concem
Selene
for Egypt's
Selene
Tanto
be taken
by all this!)
RECITATIVE
Fahio
Arsace,
than moved
my love will shine forth
S1, trai ceppi...
Fabio
A me ne fe iI rifiuto.
rnles this heart,
soon will...
Yes, although
II mio foco estinguera.
This agony
taci! E tu eseguisci.
Arsace
shocked
enough)
Let Demetrio
Queen,
e Ie ritorte
Non ne pur la stessa
now to Arsace!
(How awful! What can I do?)
Berenice
will...
first
Demetrio
De' miei tormenti...
and the Senate
ARIA
Demetrio
TRACK
17
Wait, Princess!
both Rome
in disgust)
And torture
La mia fe risplendera.
Principessa,
Prince,
(I am more
Berenice
(has heard
Demetrio
si conduca!
Guards!
a
RECITATIVE
Berenice
my own love makes...
attitude)
No, Fabio! Trne love alone
whatever the risk to me!
son io, se pili n'affanno)
Ola! Tosto alIa torre
how could
I...
me. Selene,
this romantic
Look here,
dara legge al mio cor,
ne temo il danno!
now,
yonr heart is!
conceal
Wicked
you look
Only love persuades
up with
e'l Senato...
Fabio
one so hurtful
Traditore...
il solo amore
(Pili stoho
Great God ofLove,
un alma si incostante
Per mia pena,
ed io...
Alessandro,
to the Princess)
Alessandro
for the love you betray!
yet how black
mai si bella salma
Rome
for Prince
but fil1nly,
and ftd
the
ARIA TRACK16
Berenice
Traditore,
Che amore
(alamed
Prence,
As for you, villain,
attendi!
sara.
Fabio
Berenice
my feelings
(respectfully,
TRACK
20
poco e forte dunque tua fede If your devotion is so feeble that it
Ch'altrni
mi cede per vil tlmore?
casts me aside
-21-
simply
out of fear, then how worthy
Quel tuo gran core ora dov'e?
can that great,
Sino Ie porte
You pledged
n soglio
spezzar
eterno
Giurasti
d'averno
rapir
a Giove
heart
to save me from the clutches
e dove or e tua fe? You swore
SI
noble
of yours
Berenice
really be?
No Fabio.
to brave even the gates ofHeli
it. Where
ofJove
is your promise
Consolato
Come?
Prendi
ACT III
SINFONIA
TRACK
1
RECITATIVE
TRACK
2
con questo
consegno
l'arbitro
Ministro
eli lei, porgi
dellnio
E morendo,
eliro la sorte
mi manco
Ma non I'ardire.
Per si belia...
With my dying breath,
forsaken
il Regal dono.
otterranne
e Alessandro
and my throne.
on whom
ed il returns
As Rome's
to bestow
submit
emissary
my royal favors.
to Rome
you may
Whoever
this ring to me may claim both my bed and
my kingdom!
(departs
excitedly)
(Despite
himself
Alessandro
mayyet
be Egypt's
king!)
TRACK
5
Infelice e lniserabile Viloi colui che t'accarezza He who embraces me will know misery and never be
E a chi pill fugge e sprezza dai maggiOI' felicita. requited. Happiness will elude and mock him.
Chi t'intende..
Who wants you now...
ARIOSO
TRACK
6
Selene (alone in the royal garden, heneath Demetrio's prison tOWel)
Tortorella che rimira presso allaccio Sweet dove, again you behold this unhappy, tormented,
La campagna, infelice, allor che fa? wretch. How can you help me?
Dolcemente pria si lagna, freme poscia, How tenderly you sigh, then you shake yourself and fly
Indi s'aggira per riporla in liberta. off, as if you were bringing me back my freedom.
is sweet to me as
elies.
RECITATIVE
Selene
TRACK
4
Fabio (enters with Roman soldiers)
Regina, adelio! L'Egitto lascio mal soelisfatto, e Farewell, Queen. I leave Egypt much elissatisfied and
al Tebro io torno. I now return to Rome.
.22.
take this royal ring. I hereby
my hand
decide
a suo dispetto!)
For so noble...
RECITATIVE
Tu,
ARIA
while I can say fate has
me, my love never
il mio trono
Fabio,
Berenice (alone, stunned and dejected)
Chi t'intende? 0 cieca instabile! who wants you now, blind, feeble queen?
CapriciosaDeita! Capricious fate!
TRACK3
prison
letto e del mio regno.
a chi piu ti piace
(recklessly)
or'io
Fabio
(Re d'Egitto
Aristobolo
(enters)
Questo foglio, 0 regina, a Demetrio diretto il Queen, this letter, meant for Demetrio, was
consiglio t'invia. intercepted and brought for you to consider.
Berenice (~he reads a tetter he has hrought her)
Foglio eliMitridate? Che intesi? From King Mitridate, our enemy? What do I see?
0 mostro ingrato! Oh, the hideous traitor!
Demetrio (led in, ohserves the Queen reading his secret letter)
Fannevendetta! Versa pur quanto sangue ho nelie Your revenge is futile! Spill the hlood from my veins:
vene; non temo e non mi penta. Aino Selene! I do not repent and I do not fear you; I love Selene!
a crime,
Regio sigillo aRoma
mio letto!
Berenice (in her throne room, with guards)
Ola! Tra lacci suoi si conduca Demetrio Guards, let Demetrio be brought before me
a me davante. in his chains.
For so noble
is death.
and its
How?
Berenice
ARIA
Demetrio
Rome,
Fabio
now?
poco e forte... !fyour devotion...
END CD II
m'e dolce la prigion,
Caro il morire.
No, Fabio! Today your see your emperor,
Senate satisfied.
himself.
Quel ch'a me riporta
Per si belia cagion
oggl Silla vedrai, Rome
e'l Senato!
QUI dove il mio tesoro
respira,
aure di moIte
mio cor in van sua liberta
sospira.
infelice
Here where
my love inhales
Oh Dei...
vainly seeks
release.
Arsace
Ecco al tuo piedi Arsace
TRACK
7
tutto amOl'...
(enters
quietly)
Arsace
.23.
Death's
Oh Gods!
kneels
here
at your feet...
vapors,
my heart
-Alessandro
Selene
Ma, ebben,
Non si perde
Se m'ami
ancor,
parlino
I'amor
l'opre
E pronta
d'un
che vuoi?
ben ceduto.
Now then,
Arsace
Do not cast aside
Selene
in te mel promettesti.
ledirai...
what do you want?
the love this good heart
If you still love me, let your deeds
Arsace
e la mia fe. Tutto faro per te.
speak
Diro che sprczza
offers you.
il tuo core ogni grandezza
Sc di Ici dono non e.
catene
sciogli Demetrio
e sara tua Selene!
for you.
le dirai...
My faith is ready for the test.
I'll do anything
for you.
Free Demetrio
and Selene
will be yours!
Prence,
TRACK
8
d'Iside
aI tempio,
la face d'Imeneo
la Regina
splendera
(severely
ne attende.
can renderle
A Berenice
The beautiful sight of him free
will be enough reward for me.
per me 10 rende
in questo
Oggi
iI sigillo.
punto
Arsace.
TRACK
9
Scioglier
Demetrio?
E con qualmczzo,
(be bandsArsace
Render
dovrai
per me quest'aureo
A weighty
oh Dei!
A me 10 dieI'ambasciador
ottieni
cerchio
a Berenice.
Real?) Come I'avesti?
d'Egitto.
you've
made,
But how to manage
ring Fabio
Return
bas given
e grave disse,
A Berenice
Arsace.
non che d'Egitto,
anco
del mondo
Diro che amore
come
il cor ti lega il pie.
(The royal signet
II diadema
d'Egitto
da Berenice
ring?)
own hand,
I reject
who presents
it to her.
I swear
it on my head!
I am confused.
for me.
How do you come
throne
by this?
that with it I may
if! present
the throne
In quella
sola, in quella
Da quella
it to Berenice.
and any throne
candida
la mia sorte
il proprio
mano
fato sia misero
Di vita 0 di morte
e bella
il Dio d'amore:
her hand,
not Rome's!
TRACK
12
Cupid has placed
my entire
fate
into her lovely hands:
0 beato
whether
aspetta
il core.
and whether
In quella
sola...
Cupid
my destiny
be miserable
or glorious
this heart awaits life or death.
has placed...
RECITATIVE
Aristobolo
TRACK
10
De' satrapi
Say to her...
e adunata
Berenice
Oh Dei! Mio cor potrai
have moved
of Egypt from
on earth.
Arsace
I'll say that love and your heart
I'll take the crown
ARIA
Alessandro
Ha posto
to Egypt's
it is Arsace
What?
voglio e non da Roma!
bim)
Fabio gave it to me. He announced
-24-
of the ring.
Alessandro
DUET
Alessandro
le dirai...
Today bridal
At this moment
10 son confuso.
it? Heavens!
this gold ring to the Queen
10 lay claim
iI Regno.
awaits in the temple.
will be lit ,vith your presentation
Fabio
To free
renderai. Ma sdegno, se dalla man di lei non viene il But I refuse it. If it does not come voluntalily from her
dona,
the Queen
torches
Fabio
chioma!
(amazed)
Alessandro
Romano;
ora da Roma il diadema
promise
Demetrio?
tbe myal
Arsace
(II sigillo
Su questa
Alessandro
(enters)
Tutto faro...
Ask! I shall do all I can...
Chiedi!
Prince,
Alessandro
Arsace
0 Arsace!
TRACK
11
to Alessandro)
Alessandro
RECITATIVE
impegno,
if she does
Say to her...
Come?
Qual arduo
no honors
RECITATIVE
Fabio
ARIOSO
Selene
Questa qual sia belli
Della sua liberta sara mercede.
I'll say that your heart seeks
not bestow thcm hersclf.
Alessandro
Selene
Dalle
Say to her...
Arsace
you.
tua vita? SI, iI traditol'...
I'assemblea,
vieni Regina.
(fixated
mirare
no, ancorun
on Demetrio's
estinti
i rai, che fur
poco,
oh Numi!
TRACK13
The ministers
and grand
letter,
sbe holds
wbicb
Gods, attend
counsel
are assembled.
the quenching
of this heart's
what use is my life? But wait... the traitor,
-25-
Come.
in her hand)
dying rays. Of
OhHeavens!
SI, Sl, pera! A vendetta
sol mi rendo.
di Demetrio
La testa
al tempio
Yes, he dies: that alone
attendo.
head ofDemetrio
avenges
Berenice
me. Bring me the
in the Temple
ofIsis!
Te dunque
Roma eleggc
pCI' mio sposo
c mio Re? So, Rome once again pl'Oposes you as my consort?
Alcssandro
ARIA
Berenice
Avvertite,
mie pnpille,
non tradite
I' onor
Col vostro
Se versate
Oscurate
mio
pianto.
e'l vanto.
Avvertite...
No, mia Regina!
legge.
Avert your glances,
eyes: do not betray
Amor,
non Roma,
Se il Cielo mi destina
my honor
a qucsto
a qucsto
soglio,
nice, c non da Roma,
cor da
No, my Queen.
da Bcrc-this
io'l voglio!
hcart.
thronc
It is true love and not Rome that rules
And ifHeaven
should
destine
it shall only be by Berenice's
me for this
edict,
not Rome's.
Bercnlce
with your tears.
sol due stille
del cor mio la gloria
TRACKS
14
COSI bel genio
If you shed even a few tears
amor
you stain both my glory and my pride.
a tanto amor
mi accende
a segno,
congionto,
d'un
improviso
Such noblc
che con la m~lI1 Ii do mc
stessa
Avert, my eyes..
bcaring
tbis swcct gcsturc,
c'l Rcgnol
brcast.
illnmines
affection
you, Alessandl'O.
suddenly
Ycs, I offer you my hand
TRACKS
15/16
RECITATIVE
Berenice (addresses the assembly in the Temple of Isis)
Gran Nume tutelar di questo Regno, voi satrapi al Great Isis, protector of my domain, and you my
sostegno, qual vittima consacri ora vedete, quello, che ministers: tell me, of what victim will you \vitness
fit il mio caro, 10 do al pubblico ben ch'e traditore. the sacrifice? I renounce him who held my heart.
ed il crime suo sostiene. exposed him: his guilt condemns him!
Selene
Ma tutto il suo delitto
..e amor
Selene,
e amor
di Selene...
Sister,
he is guilty only ofloving
Berenice
ed aspirar
al soglio.
...ofloving
a princess
Quella fede, quel volto, quel core, caro dardo
FUa piagarmi del Numc d'mnorc,
mio gl'ispiro,
si fatto orgoglio.
Mora
Demetrio,
His pure
Berenice
mora!
Demettio
love for me inspired
dell' error
Selene
ancora!
deeds.
Se di mia libertit prezzo e Selene, chiedo la morte.
II crime
perish
also as his accomplice!
Tu disponi
Berenice
II ministro
amante
Romano
ame
la diede.
Ma rispetoso
non volli, 0 bella, comparirti
How do you have this?
(has entered,
innante.
-
-
overhearing
this)
Fabio had given it first to me. But out of respect
you, Queen,
-26-
",~ ~,.-
fit delitto
d'Amor.
Merta
perdono.
TRACK
18
Selcne is to bc thc price of my freedom, I'll die.
Berenice)
(III
His cl'imc was for lovc. He deserves
your pardon.
Bcrcnicc
Let Selene
E Demetrio e Selene abbian vita, 0 Regina, e mora No, Queen, let Demetrio and Selene live! Take my life
Arsace. AIle catene tolse Demetrio. Questa firma real... instead. I trapped Demetrio, and with this signet ring...
Come in tno mano?
If
Alessandro
dies! He dies!
Arsace
Alessandro
Your lovc...
RECITATIVE
Demetrio
Selene
Complice
tct his wound ncvcr heal, let our lives be sweet
I dcnouncc him ~l~a traitor. You have already
mul may Lovc's flmnc never be extinguished!
(Berenice givesAlesscmdl'O her hand; she crowns him, Demetrio is led in, still in chains)
the throne.
his rash
Your lovc, your facc, your heart: the God of
Lovc pierccs my hcart with his arrows.
Che sia eternalanostrafcrita
traditore! Voi 10 scopristc,
Dolce vita, mai si spegna si lucido ardore!
Selene
L'amor
TRACK
17
AlesslUulro
Quellafcdc...
me...
and coveting
Berenice/
in this
and my throne.
DUET
SINFONIAI
With
blossoms
for
I do not claim you, so I gave it to Arsace.
di me del reo, del trom).
You shall counsel
Alcssandro
as to his fate and Egypt's
as well.
Vivi!E speraI' potrai, se avrai pill fedc scmprc Dcmetrio, you may live, mId may continue to so long
maggioI' merce dal furor mio. as you arc cvcr faithful to your owulove.
Sclcuc/Dclllctrio
(thrilled)
Viver seuza ilmio bcn, comc poss'io? I couldn't survive without my love!
Arsacc (realizing tbis is the momentfor a gesture)
Sento (li lor piet11.Ah! Non ho corc I anyilloved by these lovers. I do not have
di separar chi gi11congiosc Amore. th<fhcart to separate them.
-27-'
Ate cedono Selene.
Demetrio
Oh gioia! 0 sorte!
Demetrio
Generoso
You may
Selene
0 joy! 0 happy fate!
(embracing
rival! A te saro fedel sino
alla morte!
take Selene's hand.
Arsace)
Generous
rival. I am in your
eternal debt
FINALE
All
Con verace
Brilla ogn'alma
dolce
pace
ed ogni cor.
Poi che un gioia a noi si care
Terminate
son Ie gare di politica
TRACK
19
Witb sweet and real peace
every heart
here
At last in joyous
may be aglow.
harmony
aside the struggles
we can put
Rudulph Palmer, CONDucn"
oflove
e d'Amor.
and politics.
END CD III
Brewer Chamber Orchestra
Rudolph
Palmer,
CONDUCTOR
VIOLIN: Louise Schulman, Nancy Wilson, LEADERS
Aloysia Friedman, Jorie Garrigue, Monica Gerard, Judson Griffin,
Olga Gussow, Karl Kawahara, Darryl Kubian, Peter Kupfer, Robert
Mealy, Scott Metcalfe, David Myford, Anca Nicolau, Linda Quan,
Cynthia Roberts, Mitsui Tsubota, Mark Zaki
VIOLA: Andrea Andros, David Cerutti, David Miller, Ann Roggen
CELLO: Christine Gummere, Myron Lutzke, Loretta O'Sullivan
BASS: John Carbone, John Feeney, Melanie Punter
OBOE: Marc Schachman
BASSOON: Thomas Sefcovic
HARPSICHORD:
Edward Brewer
Edward
Brewer,
HARPSICHO",
Recorded:November1994,St. JeanBaptisteChurch,NYC; JohnKamas,Pastor.
This recording was made possible in part thanks to the special efforts of Madeline
Rogersand the generosityof Susan Castellan& MichaelSarlin,Mr. & Mrs.
Marshall Green, David Harms, Irving Palmer, Emil Spiro, Marc Stern, Mr. & Mrs.
Robert Webber, and William Woodward/IBM.
Mr. Ostendorf also wishes to thank Father John Kamas, John McMaster, Raymond
Pellerin, Donald Van Hook and Ron Protas for their assistance.
JohuOstendorf,
PRome,"