Lasciatemi Morire: The Heartfelt Lament of Arianna by Monteverdi 🎶

Lasciatemi morire (in c minor from “Il Lamento d’Arianna"—one of three Madrigals) by Claudio Monteverdi (1566-1643): Lasciatemi morire, lasciatemi morire! E chi volete voi che mi con forte In così dura sorte, in così gran martire? La sciatemi morire, la sciatemi morire!

In terror, anguishing despair, anger, and depression Arianna expresses her lament so typical of the women of Mantua. Regarded as a madrigal in 1614 and a monody in 1623, Monteverdi’s
“Lamento d’Arianna” was recognized by music critics in 1641 as the sacred hymn, “Lamento della Madonna”.

Published in Paris in 1868, the Lament was transcribed for orchestra in 1910 by Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936)—a leading viola player at the St. Petersburg opera orchestra where he studied with Rimsky-Korsakov and ultimately a teacher at major Italian Conservatories and Academies in Rome when he became famous his tone poems, Pines of Rome, Fountains of Rome, and The Birds, and his Suites of Ancient Airs and Dances for the Lute, and La Boutique fantastique. Monteverdi’s influence on Respighi cannot be forgotten.

This profound anguishing lament about the abandonment of a woman is further emphasized by the dominant seventh chord that includes a g, c, d, and f—chromatic tones that suggest knife-stabbing pain—a monumental soliloquy that is accompanied also by tenderness in this unforgettable anguishing expression of sorrow and defeat—a painful lament.

The singing of Latin and Italian texts will help the singer to develop the portamento, range, and control that are essential to beautiful vocals.