George Frideric Handel Messiah

George Frideric Handel
13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
Chorus
7
Messiah
Duet (Alto & Soprano)
20 He shall feed His flock like a shepherd:
And He shall purify the sons of Levi,
Recitative (Soprano)
that they may offer unto the Lord
and He shall gather the lambs with His arm,
14 There were shepherds abiding in the field,
an offering in righteousness.
Compact Disc 1
and carry them in His bosom,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
and gently lead those that are with young.
Recitative (Alto)
PART I
1
8
Sinfonia
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a
Recitative (Accompanied – Soprano)
Air (Alto)
Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, God with
And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and
Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy
us.
the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and
laden,
they were sore afraid.
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith
Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him,
Air (Alto) and Chorus
Recitative (Accompanied – Tenor)
2
9
Recitative (Soprano)
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion,
get thee up into the high mountain:
cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that
O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem,
behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which
her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that
lift up thy voice with strength;
shall be to all people; for unto you is born this day
crieth in the wilderness: prepare ye the way of the
lift it up, be not afraid;
in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our
say unto the cities of Judah, Behold you God!
Lord.
God.
Arise, shine, for thy light is come,
and every mountain and hill made low,
the crooked straight and the rough places plain.
Chorus
21 His yoke is easy, His burthen is light.
PART II
16 And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and
Recitative (Accompanied – Bass)
saying:
10 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
Chorus
22 Behold, the Lamb of God
that taketh away the sin of the world.
and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall
Chorus
rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon
4
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Recitative (Accompanied – Soprano)
and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
Ev’ry valley shall be exalted,
for He is meek and lowly of heart,
15 And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for
your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and
Air (Tenor)
3
and He will give you rest.
17 Glory to God in the highest,
Chorus
thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
kings to the brightness of thy rising.
and peace on earth, goodwill towards men.
Air (Bass)
Air (Soprano)
Air (Alto)
23 He was despised and rejected of men;
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
and all flesh shall see it together;
for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Recitative (Accompanied – Bass)
5
Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: Yet once a
little while and I will shake the heavens and the
earth, the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all
He gave His back to the smiters,
18 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion,
11 The people that walked in darkness have
and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair:
shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
seen a great light;
He hid not His face from shame and spitting.
behold, thy King cometh unto thee!
and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of
He is the righteous Saviour,
death,
upon them hath the light shined.
and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.
Chorus
Recitative (Alto)
Compact Disc 2
Chorus
nations; and the desire of all nations shall come.
The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to
His temple, even the messenger of the covenant,
19 Then shall the eyes of the blind be open’d,
12 For unto us a Child is born,
Surely He hath borne our griefs,
and carried our sorrows!
whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith
unto us a Son is given,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the
He was wounded for our transgressions;
the Lord of Hosts.
and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the
He was bruised for our iniquities;
and His name shall be called Wonderful,
dumb shall sing.
the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.
Air (Bass)
6
1
Counsellor,
But who may abide the day of His coming?
The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father,
And who shall stand when He appeareth?
The Prince of Peace.
Chorus
2
For He is like a refiner’s fire.
1
And with His stripes we are healed.
3
Chorus
Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
All we like sheep have gone astray;
and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors,
we have turned every one to his own way.
and the King of Glory shall come in.
And the Lord hath laid on Him
Who is the King of Glory?
the iniquity of us all.
The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.
Chorus
18 Let us break their bonds asunder,
and cast away their yokes from us.
4
All they that see Him, laugh Him to scorn:
Recitative (Tenor)
time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten
saying:
Thee?
For this corruptible must put on incorruption,
and this mortal must put on immortality.
shall laugh them to scorn;
11 Unto which of the angels said He at any
they shoot out their lips, and shake their heads,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed.
Recitative (Tenor)
19 He that dwelleth in heaven
Recitative (Accompanied – Tenor)
Air (Bass)
25 The trumpet shall sound,
the Lord shall have them in derision.
Recitative (Alto)
26 Then shall be brought to pass the saying
Air (Tenor)
that is written; beats is swallowed up in victory!
20 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
Chorus
5
He trusted in God that He would deliver
Chorus
Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's
12 Let all the angels of God worship Him.
vessel.
O grave! where is thy victory?
Him:
let Him deliver Him, if He delight in Him.
Air (Bass)
Chorus
13 Thou art gone up on high;
Recitative (Accompanied – Tenor)
6
Duet (Alto & Tenor)
27 O death, where is thy sting?
21 Hallelujah: for the Lord God Omnipotent
Thou hast led captivity captive,
The sting of death is sin,
and the strength of sin is the law.
reigneth.
Chorus
Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; He is
and received gifts for men,
The kingdom of this world has become
full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity
yea, even for Thine enemies,
the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ;
on Him, but there was no man, neither found He
that the Lord God might dwell among them.
and He shall reign for ever and ever.
who giveth us the victory
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah!
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
any to comfort Him.
28 But thanks be to God,
Chorus
Air (Tenor)
7
Behold, and see if there be any sorrow
Air (Soprano)
14 The Lord gave the word,
great was the company of the preachers.
PART III
Air (Soprano)
Air (Soprano)
who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?
like unto His sorrow.
Recitative (Accompanied – Tenor)
8
15 How beautiful are the feet
He was cut off out of the land of the living;
of them that preach the gospel of peace,
for the transgression of Thy people was He
and bring glad tidings of good things.
22 I know that my Redeemer liveth,
and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the
earth;
stricken.
and though worms destroy this body yet,
Chorus
Air (Tenor)
9
But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell;
It is God that justifieth, who is he that
condemneth?
It is Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again,
who is at the right hand of God,
who makes intercession for us.
in my flesh shall I see God.
16 Their sound is gone out into all lands,
For now is Christ risen from the dead,
and their words unto the ends of the world.
the first-fruits of them that sleep.
Air (Bass)
Chorus
Chorus
30 Worthy is the Lamb that was slain,
and hath redeemed us to God by His blood,
nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see
corruption.
29 If God be for us, who can be against us?
17 Why do the nations so furiously rage
23 Since by man came death,
to receive power, and riches, and wisdom,
and strength, and honour, and glory and blessing.
by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
Blessing and honour, glory and power,
and who do the people imagine a vain thing?
For as in Adam all die,
be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne,
and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors,
The kings of the earth rise up,
even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.
and the King of Glory shall come in.
and the rulers take counsel together against the
Chorus
10 Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
Who is the King of Glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
together
Amen.
Lord,
Recitative (Accompanied – Bass)
and against His Anointed.
24 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all
the Lord mighty in battle.
sleep; but we shall all be changed in a moment, in
the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
2
Johannes-Passion
Compact Disc 3
10 Recitativo
Pilatus
Evangelist
Durch dein Gefängnis, Gottes Sohn,
Sehet, ich führe ihn heraus zu euch, dass ihr
Die Juden antworteten ihm:
Muss uns die Frechheit kommen;
Dein Kerker ist der Gnadenthron,
erkennet dass ich keine Schuld an ihm finde.
Chor
Die Freistatt aller Frommen;
Recitativo
Wir haben ein Gesetz, und nach dem Gesetz soll er
Denn gingst du nicht die Knechtschaft ein,
Evangelist
sterben: denn er hat sich selbst zu Gottes Sohn
Müsst’ unsre Knechtschaft ewig sein.
Also ging Jesus heraus, und trug eine Dornenkrone
gemacht.
PART I
5
1
Sinfonia (Grave)
14 Recitativo
und Purpurkleid.
Choral
11 Recitativo
Ach, wie hungert mein Gemüte
Duetto
Evangelist
Ach, wie pfleg’ ich oft mit Tränen
Schauet, mein Jesus ist Rosen zu gleichen,
Da Pilatus das Wort höret, fürcht’t er sich noch
Menschenfreund nach deiner Güte
6
Welche den Purpur mit Dornen umhüll’n;
mehr, und ging wieder hinein in das Richthaus und
Chor
Seine Holdseligkeit trotzet den Sträuchen,
spricht zu Jesus:
Lässest du diesen los, so bist du des Kaisers Freund
nach dem Trank des Lebensfürsten!
Welche die Felder um Jericho füll’n.
Wünsche stets, dass mein Gebeine
Sollen denn heilen die Wunden der Sünden,
Arioso
Sich durch Gott mit Gott vereine!
Müssen uns einzig die Blätter verbinden.
Pilatus
nicht, denn wer sich zum Könige macht, der ist
7
wider den Kaiser.
15 Recitativo
Evangelist
Recitativo
Evangelist
Evangelist
Evangelist
Da Pilatus das Wort höret, führet er Jesum heraus
Da nahm Pilatus Jesum und geißelte ihn.
Und er spricht zu ihnen:
Aber Jesus gab ihm keine Antwort. Da sprach
und setzte sich auf den Richtstuhl an der Stätte, die
Pilatus zu ihm:
da heißet Hochpflaster, auf Ebräisch aber
Gabbatha. Es war aber der Rüsttag in Ostern um
Aria
Arioso
Unsre Bosheit ohne Zahl
Pilatus
Pilatus
Fühlt der Heiland, der Gerechte,
Sehet, welch ein Mensch!
Redest du nicht mit mir? Weißt du nicht, dass ich
Mehr als selbst der frechen Knechte
Peitschenstreich’ und Geißelqual.
8
Recitativo
Klag’, o Mensch, weil du’s verschuldet,
Evangelist
Dass selbst Gott die Geißel duldet!
Da ihn die Hohenpriester und die Diener sahen,
die sechste Stunde, und er spricht zu den Juden:
Macht habe dich zu kreuzigen und Macht habe
Arioso
dich los zu lassen?
Pilatus
Sehet, das ist euer König!
12 Recitativo
schrieen sie und sprachen:
Evangelist
Jesus antwortet:
Recitativo
16 Recitativo
Evangelist
Sie schrien alle:
Evangelist
Chor
Und die Kriegsknechte flochten eine Krone von
Kreuzige, kreuzige!
Aria
Jesus
Chor
Recitativo
Du hättest keine Macht über mir, wenn sie dir nicht
Weg, weg mit dem, kreuzige ihn!
Evangelist
wäre von oben herab gegeben. Darum der mich dir
Pilatus spricht zu ihnen:
überantwortet hat, der hat’s gröss’re Sünde.
Arioso
Recitativo
Sperr’ auf den Flammen-Rachen,
Recitativo
Pilatus
Evangelist
O Abgrund, auf dies Wort!
Evangelist
Nehmet ihr ihn und kreuziget ihn, denn ich finde
Von dem an trachtet Pilatus, wie er ihn los ließe.
Bedenke doch, o Sünder-Orden,
Und gaben ihm Backenstreiche. Da ging Pilatus
keine Schuld an ihm
Dornen und setzten sie auf sein Haupt und legten
ihm ein Purpurkleid and, und sprachen:
Chor
9
17 Aria
Erschüttere mit Krachen,
Sei gegrüßt, lieber Judenkönig!
4
Die Juden aber schrieen und sprachen:
mich nach diese Kost zu sehnen!
Von wannen bist Du?
3
Evangelist
Ach, wie pfleget mich zu dürsten
Recitativo
2
13 Aria
Arioso
Der dich macht frei von Satan’s Mord!
Erschüttere:
wieder heraus und sprach zu ihnen:
3
Chor
Chor
Arioso
Evangelist
Schreib’ nicht, der Juden König, sondern dass er
Lasset uns den nicht zerteilen, sondern drum losen,
Jesus
Spricht Pilatus zu ihnen:
gesagt habe: ich bin der Juden König.
was er sein soll.
Siehe, das ist deine Mutter!
Arioso
Recitativo
26 Recitativo
29 Recitativo
Pilatus
Evangelist
Evangelist
Evangelist
Soll ich euren König kreuzigen?
Pilatus antwortet:
Auf das erfüllet würde die Schrift, die da saget:
Und von Stund an nahm sie der Jünger zu sich!
19 Recitativo
Arioso
Accompagnato
vollbracht war, dass die Schrift erfüllet würde,
Evangelist
Pilatus
Evangelist
spricht er:
Die Hohenpriester antworteten:
Was ich geschrieben habe, das hab’ ich geschrieben.
„Sie haben meine Kleider unter sich geteilt
Chor
Chor
Wir haben keinen König denn den Kaiser!
Ach, Gott und Herr!
Recitativo
Wie groß und schwer
Evangelist
sind mein begangne Sünden!
Solches taten die Kriegsknechte.
18 Recitativo
Darnach, als Jesus wusste, dass schon Alles
und haben über meinen Rock das Loos geworfen“
20 Recitativo
Evangelist
Da ist niemand, der helfen kann,
Da überantwortet er ihn, dass er gekreuzigt würde.
in dieser Welt zu finden.
Jesus
Mich dürstet
30 Aria
Jesu, wonach dürstet dich,
27 Duetto
Sie nahmen aber Jesus und führten ihn hin. Und er
trug sein Kreuz und ging hinaus zur Stätte, die da
Arioso
23 Recitativo
da du ja die Matten tränkest?
Welche sind des Heilands Erben?
Himmel, ich besinne mich,
Lauter böse Kriegsknecht’.
dass du meiner Angst gedenkest,
heißet Schädelstatt, welche heißet auf Ebräisch
Evangelist
Musst’ er denn nur dafür sterben?
und nach Trost in meiner Not
Golgotha; allda kreuzigten sie ihn, und mit ihm
Die Kriegsknechte aber, da sie Jesum gekreuzigt
Nein; dem menschlichen Geschlecht,
Durstig bist bis an den Tod
zwei Andere zu deinen Seiten, Jesum aber mitten
hatten, nahmen sie seine Kleider und machten viel
das so bösen Buben gleichet,
Teil’, einem jeglichen Kriegsknecht ein Teil; dazu
hat er sich selbst zur Erbschaft dargereicht.
innen.
21 Aria
Getrost, mein Herz, hier kannst du Gnad’
31 Recitativo
Evangelist
auch den Rock.
28 Recitativo
24 Aria
Da stund ein Gefäß voll Essig, sie aber füllten einen
Evangelist
Schwamm mit Essig und legten ihn um einen
umfassen,
Du musst den Rock verlier’n,
Es stund aber bei dem kreuz Jesum seine Mutter,
Ysopen und hielten’s ihm zum Munde. Da nun
Denn Jesus will die Sünder nicht verlassen,
dass wir ihn möchten führ’n,
und seiner Mutter Schwester, Maria, Chleophas’
Jesum den Essig genommen hatte, sprach er
Und sollt’ es auch am Kreuze sein.
zum Deckel unserer Sündenschuld.
Weib, und Maria Magdalena. Da nun Jesus seine
Wenn du dann nicht die Hilfe kannst erfragen
Wir müssen ewig Blöße leiden,
Mutter sah, und den Jünger dabei stehend den er
Arioso
So warte nur: wenn dich das Kreuz wird tragen,
wird uns nicht dein Verdienst bekleiden
lieb hatte, spricht Jesus zu seiner Mutter:
Jesus
Stellt er sich in der Mitten ein.
mit mehr als väterlicher Huld.
22 Recitativo
Evangelist
Es ist vollbracht!
Du musst den Rock verlier’n,
Arioso
dass wir ihn möchten führ’n,
Jesus
zum Deckel unserer Sündenschuld.
Weib, siehe, das ist dein Sohn!
32 Aria
O großes Werk,
Im Paradies schon angefangen!
Pilatus aber schrieb eine Überschrift und setzte sie
25 Recitativo
Recitativo
O Riesenstärk’,
Jesus von Nazareth, der Juden König.
Evangelist
Evangelist
Die Christus lässt den Sieg erlangen!
Diese Überschrift lasen viel Juden, denn die Stätte
Der Rock war aber ungenäht von oben an gewirkt
Darnach spricht er zu dem Junger:
Dass nach dem Streit in Siegespracht
war nahe bei der Stadt da Jesus gekreuzigt ist, und
Durch und durch. Da sprachen sie unter einander:
auf das Kreuz; und es war geschrieben:
Er sprechen kann: Es ist vollbracht!
war geschrieben auf Ebräische und Lateinische
Sprache. Da sprachen die Hohenpriester der Juden
zu Pilatus:
4
Recitativo
36 Recitativo
Evangelist
Evangelist
Und neiget das Haupt und verschied.
Und der es gesehen hat, der hat es bezeuget, und
Chor
Wahrheit saget, auf dass auch ihr glaubet. Denn
O Menschenkind!
solches ist geschehen, dass die Schrift erfüllet
sein Zeugnis wahr; und derselbige weiß, dass er die
Nur deine Sünde hat dieses angerichtet
würde: „Ihr sollt ihm keine Bein zerbrechen“. Und
Da du durch die Miesetat
abermals spricht eine andere Schrift: „Sie werden
warest ganz vernichtet
sehen, in welchen sie gestochen haben.“ Darnach
Pilatus Joseph von Arimathia (der ein Jünger Jesu
33 Aria
Bebet, ihr Berge! zerberstet, ihr Hügel!
war, doch heimlich, aus Furcht vor den Juden) dass
er möchte abnehmen den Leichnam Jesu; und
Sonne verhülle den brennenden Spiegel!
Pilatus erlaubet es. Es kam aber auch Nikodemus
Himmel und Erde, vergeht ihr nicht!
(der vormals bei der Nacht zu Jesu gekommen
Schmelzet, ihr Felsen, vor ängstlichem Zittern,
war), und brachte Myrrhen und Aloen, unter
lasset ihr Wellen, die Tiefen erschüttern
einander bei hundert Pfunden. Da nahmen sie den
weil ist dem Heiland seine Herze zerbricht!
Leichnam Jesu und banden ihn in leinen Tücher mit
Spezereien, wie die Juden pflegen zu begraben.
34 Recitativo
Evangelist
37 Duetto
Die Juden aber, dieweil es der Rüsttag war, dass
Ich gehe mit ins Grab,
nicht die Leichnam’ am Kreuze blieben den Sabbat
Was frag’ ich nach dem Himmel,
über (denn derselbige Sabbattag war groß), baten
Nach allem Weltgetümmel,
sie Pilatum, dass ihre Gebeine gebrochen und sie
Weil Jesus scheidet ab!
abgenommen würden. Da kamen die Kriegsknechte
Ich gehe mit ins Grab.
und brachen dem Ersten die Beine, und dem
Andern der mit ihm gekreuzigt war. Da sie aber zu
38 Recitativo
Jesu kamen, da sie sahen, dass er schon gestorben
Evangelist
war, brachen sie ihm die Beine nicht, sondern der
Es war aber an der Stätte, da er gekreuzigt ward,
Kriegsknecht einer öffnete seine Seite mit einem
ein neu Garten und im Garten ein neu Grab, in
Speer, und alsbald ging Blut und Wasser heraus.
welches niemand gelegt war. Daselbst hin legten sie
Jesum um des Rüsttags willen der Juden, dieweil
35 Duetto
das Grab nahe war.
War das Wasser denn zu schlecht,
unsrer Sünden Schuld zu baden?
39 Chor
Mensche, ja, für deinen Schaden
Schlafe wohl nach deinen Leiden!
War nur göttlich’s Blut gerecht.
Ruhe sanft nach hartem Streit!
So soll, weil ich leb’ auf Erden,
Weil dein Tod uns Himmelsfreuden,
Zu beweisen meine Not,
Weil dein Kampf uns Sieg bereitet.
aus den Augen Quellen werden,
Schlafe wohl nach deinen Leiden!
die von Blut und Tränen rot.
Ruhe sanft nach hartem Streit!
5
La Resurrezione
5
Compact Disc 4
PRIMA PARTE
1
2
3
Accompagnato
Lucifero
Lucifer
Mà, che veggio? Di spirti a me nemici
But what do I see? How does so thick a crowd
come in sì folto stuolo
of spirits, hostile to me,
per quest’aure annegrite
Dare wring its way
da’ miei respiri, osa portare il volo?
through these black vapours of my exhalations?
Sonata
Sonata
Angelo
Angel
Aria
Aria
De’ tenebrosi chiostri
Be silent, grim monsters
Angelo
Angel
tacete horridi mostri!
of the dark caverns!
Disserratevi, oh porte d’Averno!
Be open, oh gates of Avernus,
dileguatevi, o’ larve, ombre, sparite
vanish, you spectres, disappear, you shades,
e al bel lume d’un lume ch’è eterno
and in the radiant light of the eternal
e dell’eterno Re le leggi udite.
and hear the laws of the eternal King.
tutto in lampi si sciolga l’orror.
let all the horror be dispelled.
Recitative
Cedete, horride porte,
Yield, dreadful gates,
Recitativo
cedete al Re di gloria,
yield to the King of glory,
Lucifero
Lucifer
che della sua vittoria
for you shall be the first honour
Chi sei? Chi è questo Re
Who are you? Who is this King
Voi siete il primo onor.
of his victory.
che dov’io regno a penetrar s’avvanza?
who advances and penetrates where I reign?
6
Accompagnato
Accompagnato
Angelo
Angel
Lucifero
Lucifer
È Re di gloria, è Re possente e forte,
He is a King of glory, a King of power and might,
Qual’insolita luce
What unusual light
cui resister non può la tua possanza.
against whom your power cannot resist.
squarcia le bende alla tartarea notte?
sunders the bonds of Tartarean night?
Qual eco non più udita
What long-forgotten echo
Lucifero
Lucifer
con armonia gradita
with pleasant harmonies
Se parli di chi penso,
If you speak of whom I am thinking,
fa intorno risonar le stigie grotte?
makes the Stygian caves resonate?
pur oggi a morte spinto
put to death this very day,
Se son del mio valore
If it is applause for my valour,
negar non può, ch’il mio poter l’ha vinto.
gli applausi giusti sono!
it is most fitting!
he cannot deny that my power has prevailed against
him.
Hoggi che vincitore,
Today as victor,
cittadini d’abisso, a voi ritorno;
citizens of the abyss, I return to you;
Angelo
Angel
e già mi vendicai con fiero sdegno
and now I am avenged, with proud disdain,
Come cieco t’inganni, e non t’avedi
How blindly you deceive yourself! Do you not see
chi perder già mi fè de’cieli il Regno.
on him who made me lose Heaven’s kingdom.
che, se morì chi è della vita autore,
that if he died, he who is the source of love,
non fù per opra tua, mà sol d’amore.
it was not by act of yours, but only for love.
Aria
4
PART ONE
Accompagnato
Aria
Lucifero
Lucifer
Aria
Aria
Caddi, è ver, ma nel cadere
I fell, it’s true, but in falling
Angelo
Angel
non perdei forza nè ardire.
I lost neither strength nor boldness.
D’amor fù consiglio
It was the advice of love
Per scacciarmi dalle sfere
Though God was then stronger
che al Padre nel Figlio
in the Son that paid the Father
se più forte allor fù Dio,
to chase me away from the spheres,
l’offesa pagò;
the price of sin;
or fatt’huomo, al furor mio
now, as a man, in dying
per render all’huomo
to give back to man
pur ceduto ha con morire.
he has yielded to my fury.
la vita che un pomo
that life which the tasting
gustato involò.
of an apple took away.
7
6
8
9
Recitativo
Recitative
Accompagnato
Accompagnato
Lucifero
Lucifer
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
E ben, questo tuo Nume
And so, this God of yours,
dell’huomo innamorato
enamoured with man,
che del divino sole
you that mourn with grief-filled darkness
e che per lui svenato
and who today wanted to die
con tenebre a duol piangi l’occaso,
the setting of the divine Sun;
oggi volle morir, che più presume?
for him, what more would he presume?
lascia che pianga anch’io,
let me weep also,
L’omaggio a me dovuto
If to pay me due homage
e con sopor tiranno
do not with tyrant drowsiness
se a rendermi quà giù move le piante,
he makes his way down to these depths,
al giusto dolor mio
disturb the trouble
venga; mà se pretende…
let him come. But if he claims…
deh non turbar l’affanno!
of my justified grief.
Angelo
Angel
Aria
Aria
Taci, che or lo vedrai, mostro arrogante,
Be silent, for now you will see him, arrogant monster!
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
vedrai come delusa
You will see how disappointed death,
da lui fugge la morte,
flies away from him;
non volar, o sonno ingrato!
do not fly, ungrateful sleep.
vedrai come confusa
you will see how confounded guilt,
Se presumi
if you presume
lo rimira la colpa,
stares terrified at him;
asciugarne il mesto pianto,
to dry my sad tears,
vedrai come atterrito
you will see how pain
lascia pria che piangan tanto
first let them cry
si nasconde la pena,
hides in terror;
quanto sangue ha sparso in fiumi
as much as the rivers of blood
vedrai come tu stesso
you will see how you yourself
il mio Dio per me svenato.
shed by my God in dying for me.
tremerai genuflesso
will tremble,
al suo gran nome.
kneeling at his great name.
Recitativo
Recitative
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
10 Notte, notte funesta,
11 Ferma l’ali, e su’ miei lumi
Night, sorrowful night,
Stop your wings, and over my eyes
Allow, oh Magdalene,
Lucifero
Lucifer
Io tremante! Io si vile! E quando? E come?
Me trembling! Me so cowardly! When? How?
qualche tregua al martire,
some respite to your suffering,
Sconvolgerò gli abissi,
I will upturn the abyss,
che un continuo languire
for to languish without ceasing
dal suo centro commossa
from its very centre
può con la vita anche scemar la pena,
can shorten both your life and your pain;
dissiperò la terra,
I will dissipate the earth;
e per un Dio ch’ è morto
but so justified is sorrow
all’aria coi respiri,
to the air with my breath,
così giusto è’l dolore,
for a God who has died,
al fuoco coi sospiri,
to the fire with my sighs,
che non convien di renderlo più corto.
that it is not proper to shorten it.
con gli aneliti al ciel muoverò guerra.
with ambition for heaven I’ll wage war.
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Aria
Aria
Cleofe, in vano al riposo
Cleophas, in vain you advise rest,
Lucifero
Lucifer
tu mi consigli, ed al mio core amante
when in my loving heart
O voi dell’Erebo
O you dread powers
sarebbe più penoso ogni momento.
the greater agony lies in every moment
potenze orribili,
of Erebus,
Che potesse restar senza tormento.
that could be free of torment.
sù, meco armatevi
rise, be armed with me
12 Concedi, o Maddalena,
d’ira e valor!
with anger and courage.
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
E dell’Eumenidi
And let the fearful snakes
Se il tuo giusto cordoglio
If your true grief
gli angui terribili
of the Eumenides,
sol di pene ha desio,
desires only pain,
con fieri sibili
with their fierce hissings,
trattenerlo non voglio
I would not restrain it
ai cieli mostrano,
show to the heaven
mà sol unire al tuo l’affanno mio.
but would only unite my sorrow with yours.
ch’ hanno i suoi fulmini
that hell still has
gli abissi ancor.
its thunderbolts.
7
Aria
Aria
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
Che nel tormento
So that in torment
13 Piangete, sì, piangete,
Weep, yes, weep,
dolenti mie pupille,
my doleful eyes,
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
e con amare stille
and with bitter drops
Che nell’angoscia ria
So that in bigger agony
al morto mio Signor
sadly offer
tributo di dolor
a tribute of grief
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
meste rendete!
to my dead Lord.
Io godo ancor,
I yet find delight.
Che mentre egli spargea
For as he shed
tutt’ il suo sangue in croce,
all his blood on the cross,
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
morendo sol dicea
in dying his only words
Sollievo ancor io sento.
I yet find relief.
di pianto: hò sete.
of complaint were: I thirst.
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Recitativo
Recitative
Se col pensiero afflitto
As I with anguished thoughts
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
và lusingando almeno
seek at least to calm
14 Ahi dolce mio Signore,
Ah, my sweet Lord,
il mio desire, e parmi aver nel seno
my desire, I seem to feel in my heart
le tue vene già vuote
your emptied veins
qualche martir del mio Giesù trafitto.
some of the suffering of my pierced Jesus.
chiedan di poco umore
asked sadly
momentaneo ristoro,
for a brief refreshment
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
e il barbaro Israele
and cruel Israel
Se nell’afflitta mente
As in my afflicted mind
bevanda sol di fiele
offered you only a drink of gall:
hò il mio Giesù presente,
I keep my Jesus present,
ti porse: io lo rammento, e pur non moro?
I remember it, and yet I do not die?
e benchè esangue ed impiagato, parmi
his face, though deathly pale and wounded,
che basti il volto suo per consolarmi.
Seems enough to comfort me.
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
Ahi popolo crudel, popolo ingrato!
Ah, cruel and ungrateful people!
Duetto
Duet
Chi per te già disciolse
He who for you once dissolved
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
duri macigni in liquidi torrenti
hard rocks into running torrents
di purissimi argenti,
of purest silver,
da quei piedi e da quel crine
ah! Come from those feet and that hair,
poche stille ti chiede;
asks but a few drops from you;
deh, passate nel mio sen!
and penetrate my heart.
tu gli dai mercede
you give him in recompense
15 Dolci chiodi, amate spine,
Sweet nails, beloved thorns,
un si amaro liquore:
such a bitter liquid;
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
e in rammentarlo non si sprezza il core?
and in remembering it does not disdain the heart?
Cara effigie addolorata,
Dear image of sorrow,
benché pallida e piagata,
though pale and wounded,
sei mia vita, sei mio ben.
you are my life and my beloved.
Recitativo
Recitative
S. Giovanni
St John
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Oh crude rimembranze!
Oh, cruel remembrance!
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
Oh funeste memorie!
Oh saddest memories!
16 O Cleofe, o Maddalena,
Oh Cleophas, oh Magdalene,
del mio divin maestro amanti amate,
lovers and beloved of my divine master,
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
o quant’invidio, quanto,
oh how much I envy
Tormentatemi pur,
Torture me still
quelle che hora versate
those drops you now shed,
stille di puro amor più che di pianto.
drops of pure love rather than tears;
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
Spero presto vederle,
I hope to see them very soon,
Sì, sì, seguite
Yes, yes, go on
per coronar il mio Signor risorto,
to crown my risen Lord,
ad accrescermi il duol,
increasing my grief
da rugiade di duol cangiarsi in perle.
changing from the dew of anguish into pearls.
8
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Giovanni, tu che fosti
John, you who were
Sù! dunque andiamo, e pria ch’il matutino
Come then, let us go: and before the rays
del mio Giesù discepolo diletto,
the favourite disciple of my Jesus,
raggio dell’orizonte il lembo indori,
of morning gild the rim of the horizon,
e degli arcani suoi
and faithful recorder
andiam ad osservare al sacro avello,
let us go to watch the holy tomb,
secretario fedel, solo tu puoi
of his mysteries, you alone
che almen potremmo in quello
for there we can at least
di speme più tranquilla
can revive in my heart
con balsami ed odori
anoint with balms and perfumes
ravivar nel mio sen qualche scintilla.
some spark of calmer hope.
unger la fredda esanimata salma
the cold and lifeless body
di chi fù già di noi la vita e l’alma.
of him who was once our life and soul.
S. Giovanni
St John
Già la seconda notte,
Already, the second night,
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
da ch’egli estinto giacque,
since he laid down his life
Pronta a seguirti io sono,
I am ready to follow you;
col carro suo di tenebroso gelo
has in its chariot of chill darkness
mà speranza miglior mi rende ardita,
but a greater hope gives me courage,
tutta varcò la sommita del cielo,
now fully crossed heaven’s height,
e di Giovanni ai detti
and hearing the words of John
e del Gange su l’acque
and above the waters of the Ganges
spero viva trovar la nostra vita.
I hope to find alive he who is our life.
attende gia la risvegliata aurora
the reawakening dawn now awaits
del nuovo sole il lucido ritorno:
tthe radiant return of the new sun:
Aria
Aria
mà il nostro Sole ancora
but our Sun also
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
a noi tornar promise il terzo giorno.
promised to return to us on the third day.
Consoli dunque il vostro cor, che geme,
Let your grieving heart be consoled
debol legno, e si confonde
and the steersman
una si bella e si vicina speme.
by such a beautiful and imminent hope.
nel periglio anch’il nocchier.
is also confused by the danger.
Mà se vede poi le sponde,
But if he then sees the shore
19 Naufragando và per l’onde
The weak wood ploughs the waves
Aria
Aria
lo conforta nuova speme,
new hope comforts him,
S. Giovanni
St John
e del vento più non teme
and he no longer fears the wind
When it is born of love
nè del mar l’impeto fier.
nor the fierce raging of the sea.
17 Quando è parto dell’affetto,
il dolor in nobil petto
grief in a noble heart
non estingue la costanza;
does not extinguish constancy.
Recitativo
Recitative
quando è figlia della fede,
When it is the child of faith
S. Giovanni
St John
mai non cede
hope never yields
al timore la speranza.
to fear.
20 Itene pure, oh fide amiche donne,
Go forth, then, faithful
al destinato loco,
and devoted women, to the appointed place,
ch’ivi forse potrete
for there you may find
Recitativo
Recitative
del vostro bel desio trovar le mete,
the goal of your noble desire;
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
mentre io torno a colei, che già per madre
meanwhile I shall return to her whom my Lord
But tell us, is it true
mi diè nell’ultim’hore
entrusted as a mother to me
che risorga Giesù?
that Jesus will rise again?
del suo penoso agone il mio Signore.
in the last hours of his painful agony.
18 Ma dinne, e sarà vero
S. Giovanni
St John
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
S’egli l’ha detto,
He said so himself;
A lei ben opportuno
Most favourable to her
chi mai di menzognero
who will dare accuse
il tuo soccorso fia,
will be your support,
oserà d’arguire labbro divino!
divine lips of uttering lies?
che in così duro scempio
for I know from my own sufferings
qual sia la pena sua, sò per la mia.
what will be her pain in so harsh destruction.
9
S. Giovanni
St. John
Mà il core, uso a temer,
But my heart, so used to fear,
Ben d’ogn’ altro più grande
Far greater than any other’s
le voci del piacer
either cannot understand
fù il dolor di tal madre
was the grief of such a mother
o non intende ancor,
the voices of pleasure
di tal figlio alla morte,
at the death of such a son;
o innganno del pensier
or perhaps believes them to be
mà d’ogn’ altro più forte
but she had a heart stronger than any other’s
forse le crede.
an illusion of thought.
hebbe in soffrirlo il petto, ed hor costante
to endure it; and now more constant
che ferma più d’ogn’ altra ha la speranza
and firm than any other’s is her hope
Recitativo
Recitative
di vederlo risorto, e se l’ottiene
of seeing him risen; if it is obtained,
Angelo
Angel
la gioia allor compenserà le pene.
her joy will then compensate for her grief.
24 Uscite pur, uscite
Come forth, indeed come forth
dall’oscura prigione,
from the dark prison,
Aria
Aria
ove si lunga ed horrida stagione
where for so long and dreadful a time
S. Giovanni
St John
questo giorno attendeste, anime belle!
you have awaited this day, blessed souls;
So the turtle dove
Uscite pur, uscite,
come forth, indeed come forth
talor piange e si lagna,
sometimes cries and laments
a vagheggiare, a posseder le stelle!
to gaze upon, to gain the stars!
perchè la sua compagna
because she believes that
Di quel Signor, che ha vinto
Follow the triumph of that Lord
vede ch’augel feroce
a ferocious bird had torn
per voi la morte e’l contumace averno,
who for you has conquered death
dal nido gli rubò.
her mate from the nest.
il trionfo seguite:
and unruly hell.
Mà poi, libera e bella
But when, free and graceful,
e voi primi venite,
And be you the first to come,
se ritornarla sente,
she hears him returning,
o primi padri delle humane genti;
oh first fathers of the human race;
compensa in lieta voce
with joyful voice,
nè s’odan più lamenti
let lamentation for your ancient sin
quel gemito dolente
compensates her painful moan
del vostro antico errore,
no more be heard, now that
che mesta già formò.
she once uttered in her sadness.
or ch’ebbe insorto un tanto redentore;
such a Redeemer is arisen.
seguano gli altri poi,
then let the others follow,
21 Così la tortorella
Recitativo
Recitative
e per l’orme di luce,
and in the footprints of light
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
che del divino duce
that the glorious foot of the divine Leader
If Mary then hopes,
il glorioso piè stampa nell’ombre,
marks in the shadows,
e spera ancor Giovanni,
and John still hopes, I too,
da questo centro squallido e profondo
from this deep and desolate place
anch’io dar voglio con si giusta speme
with such well-founded hope, would allow
sorgan con lui sovra l’aperto mondo.
let them rise with him to the open world above.
qualche tregua agli affanni;
some respite to my distress;
Mà con eco festiva
But with sounds of joy
ma pure chi ben ama sempre teme,
but those who truly love always fear,
replichi prima il lor devoto labro:
first let your devout lips repeat:
e nell’amante mio misero core
and from my poor but loving heart,
Choro
Chorus
22 Se Maria dunque spera,
benché speranza regni,
though hope now rules,
bandir non può il timore.
fear cannot be banned.
Or degli opposti affetti
Now which of these opposing feelings
trionfi, regni e viva.
triumph, live and reign!
a chi debba dar fede,
I should trust
Viva e trionfi il Dio così grande
May so great a God live and triumph,
vedrò volgendo il piede
I shall discover as I turn my steps
che i cieli spande,
who spreads forth the heavens,
all’adorato speco,
to the beloved cave,
che al sol da splendor.
who gives the sun its splendour.
tomba del mio Giesù. Vada Giovanni
the tomb of my Jesus; let John go
Per cui Cocito
Because of him Cocytus
a consolar Maria; Cleofe sia meco.
to comfort Mary; Cleophas, stay with me.
geme atterrito,
moans in terror,
da qui fu vinta
by him death too
25 Il Nume vincitor
Let the victorious God
Aria
Aria
la morte ancor.
is conquered.
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Viva e trionfi il Dio così grande
May so great a God live and triumph,
I have something in my heart,
che da luce al sol.
who gives the light to the sun.
23 Hò un non sò che nel cor,
che in vece di dolor
that instead of pain,
gioia mi chiede.
asks me for joy.
10
Compact Disc 5
SECONDA PARTE
1
2
3
4
The heavens be jubilant,
the earth be verdant,
scherzino, ridano
play and laugh
l’aure con l’onde,
the breezes with the waves,
Sinfonia
Sinfonia
l’erbe coi fior.
and the grass with the flowers.
Recitativo
Recitative
Accompagnato
Accompagnato
S. Giovanni
St John
Angelo
Angel
Di quai nuovi portenti
What new marvels does the earth
Di rabbia indarno freme
In vain does hell rage in its chains
ha la terra oggi ancora il sen fecondo?
bear today within its fertile womb?
coi mostri suoi l’incatenato averno;
with all its monsters:
Piansero gli elementi
The elements have wept
l’odio che oppresso geme,
hatred, who moans in defeat,
del lor fabbro immortal la morte fiera,
a t the cruel death of their smith,
la crudeltà che piange,
cruelty, who sobs,
e d’un giorno che spera
and a day that hopes
l’invidia che sospira,
envy, who sighs,
di vederlo risorto
to see him risen
l’empietà che delira,
impiety, who raves;
con gl’istessi tremori
with the same tremors
l’iniquità tremante,
trembling iniquity,
par che il suolo paventi i primi albori.
it seems the earth fears the first dawns.
il furor vacillante,
hesitant anger,
Mà forse dell’inferno,
But perhaps these are the final struggles,
sbigottita la frode,
astonished fraud,
che dal Dio vincitor l’hasta percosse,
the final convulsions of hell,
deriso il tradimento,
derided treachery,
gli ultimi sforzi son, l’ultime scosse.
shattered by the spear of the victorious God.
vilipeso l’orgolio:
despised pride:
del mio Signor risorto
to my risen Lord those will be
saran carro al trionfo e base al soglio.
triumphal chariot and base for his throne.
Aria
Aria
S. Giovanni
St John
6
Ecco il sol ch’esce dal mare
Here is the sun that rises from the sea
Recitativo
Recitative
e più chiaro che non suole
and shining with unwonted brightness
Lucifero
Lucifer
smalta i prati, i colli indora.
enamels the fields, and gilds the hills.
Misero! hò pure udito?
Woe is me! Have I heard aright?
Mà chi sa, che di quel Sole
But who knows if this sun,
E in van per vendicarmi
Do I take up arms against superior power
ch’oggi in vita ha da tornare
who today returns to life.
contro forza maggior impugno l’armi?
and attempt revenge in vain?
questo sol non sia l’aurora.
may be the dawn of that Sun.
Angelo
Angel
Recitativo
Recitative
Si, si, contrasti in van; torna a Cocito!
Yes, yes, you strive in vain; go back to Cocytus!
S. Giovanni
St John
7
Mà dove Maria dimora
But as my steps now draw near
Lucifero
Lucifer
se ho già vicino il piede,
to where Mary dwells,
Perchè al ciel pria non torna
Why does your risen God
spero veder ben presto
I hope very soon to see
il tuo risorto Nume?
Not first return to Heaven?
cangiata la speranza in certa fede,
her hope transformed to sure faith,
e senz’alcun periglio
and, without any peril,
Angelo
Angel
lieta la madre e glorioso il figlio.
the mother joyful and the Son in glory.
Perchè pria vuole in terra
Because he wants to make known on earth
far delle glorie sue noto il mistero.
the mystery of his glory.
Aria
5
PART TWO
Il ciel festeggi,
il suol verdeggi,
Aria
Angelo
Angel
Lucifero
Lucifer
Risorga il mondo
Let the world rise again,
Noti gli oltraggi miei? Nò, non fia vero!
Do you see my outrage? No, it shall not be!
lieto e giocondo,
happy and joyful
col suo Signor.
with its Lord.
11
8
9
Aria
Aria
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Lucifero
Lucifer
Or chi sa se potremo
Now who knows if we shall be able
Per celare il nuovo scorno
To hide this new insult
ricercar in tomba il mio tesoro.
to look in the tomb for my beloved?
le tue faci ancor al giorno
I shall this very day
con un soffio io smorzerò;
blow out his torches with one breath.
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
e con tenebre nocenti
And with poisonous darkness
Se son desti i custodi, io ben ne temo.
If the guards are awake, I fear we may not.
delle infirme humane menti
I shall confuse every notion
ogni idea confonderò.
in weak human minds.
Recitativo
Recitative
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Io temo ancor, ma più il mio Nume adoro.
I fear too, but more greatly I love my God.
Angelo
Angel
Aria
Aria
Oh come cieco il tuo furor delira!
Oh how blindly your fury raves!
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Mira, folle, deh mira
Look, fool, look
le donne pie che all’incauto sasso,
at the pious women who hasten
non paventò Giesù.
to die for me.
sepolcro già delle divine membra,
to the hollowed rock, once the tomb
Egli mi dà l’ardire;
He gives me courage;
movon veloce il passo!
of the divine body.
per lui nulla pavento,
because of him I fear nothing,
A loro il Ciel comanda
Heaven commands that I
nè morte, nè tormento;
neither death not torment;
ch’io l’arcano riveli,
reveal to them the mystery;
quando ho Giesù nel cor non temo più.
when Jesus is in my heart I am no longer afraid.
ond’esse in publicarlo
so that in proclaiming it to others
agli altri poi ne sian trombe fedeli.
they shall be trumpeters of the truth.
Recitativo
Recitative
Lucifero
Lucifer
12 Per me già di morire
Jesus did not fear
Duetto
Duet
Lucifero
Lucifer
ahi, come rendi, come,
Ah, how you weaken,
Impedirlo saprò.
I know how to prevent that!
ogni mio sforzo imbelle!
all my strength!
Ahi, che vinto e confuso,
Ah, conquered and confounded,
13 Ahi, abborrito nome,
Ah, abhorred name!
Angelo
Angel
atterrito e deluso
terrified and outwitted,
Duro è il cimento.
It is a hard trial!
fuggo il ciel, fuggo il suolo, fuggo il mondo,
I escape from Heaven, from earth and the world;
e del più cupo abisso
and into the lowest depths
torno a precipitar nel sen profondo.
I fall once more in the deep abyss.
Aria
Aria
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
Lucifero
Lucifer
Hò ardir che basta.
I have courage enough!
Angelo
Angel
Lo dirà l’evento!
The outcome will prove it!
14 Vedo il ciel, che più sereno
I see the sky, becoming
si fà intorno e più risplende.
serene and more radiant.
Recitativo
Recitative
E di speme nel mio seno
And ever brighter in my heart
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
più bel raggio ancor s’accende.
burn hope’s lovely rays.
Recitativo
Recitative
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
10 Amica, troppo tardo
fù il nostro piè; già il sol sull’ etra ascende.
My friend, our steps were too slow:
already the sun ascends into the heavens.
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
Fù il cor troppo codardo,
The heart was too cowardly,
ove ombra funesta
where the dark shadow
che della terra a gl’improvisi moti
for the unexpected tremors of the earth
dell’amato Signor coprì la salma.
Enclosed the body of our dear Lord.
fè i nostri passi rimanere immoti.
rooted our feet to the ground.
15 Cleofe, siam giunte al luogo,
12
Cleophas, we have reached the place
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
mà come può l’amore
but how can love
Parmi veder, sì, sì, vedo ben certo
I think I see, yes, truly I do see
esser contento a pieno,
be fully satisfied if it does not send
ch’è già l’avello aperto,
that tomb is already open,
se non manda il suo ben per gli occhi al core?
its beloved from the eyes to the heart?
e su la destra sponda
and on the right-hand side
Vo’ cercarti per tutto;
I will seek you everywhere,
siede con bianca stuola
there sits a young man
nè sarà forse in vano,
and perhaps not in vain;
un giovane vestito.
wearing a white robe.
che da chi ben ti cerca,
for from one who truly seeks you,
mai, dolce mio tesor, tu sei lontano.
never, my sweet beloved, are you far.
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Oh, quale spira
Oh what grace shines
Aria
Aria
grazia dal’ volto suo, che mi consola!
from his face and brings me comfort!
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Appressiamoci a lui, che già ne mira.
Let us approach him, for already he is looking at us.
18 Del cielo dolente
From a mournful sky
l’ondosa procella
the wavy tempest
Angelo
Angel
in Iride bella
changes
Donne, voi ricercate
You women seek
cangiando sen và.
into a lovely rainbow.
di Giesù Nazareno,
Jesus of Nazareth
E il cor che già sente
And the heart which already
ove giacque già morto;
where he once lay in death;
vicino il suo Sole
feels its Sun to be near
ora non è più qui, mà è già risorto.
he is no longer here, but already he has risen!
da mesto a languente
becomes serene
Al vostro puro affetto
It is in justice to your pure love
sereno si fà.
after sad languishing.
giusto è che diano i cieli
that Heaven grants
così bella mercede,
so rich a reward,
Recitativo
Recitative
e un tal mistero a voi prima si sveli,
and so great a miracle is first revealed to you,
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
per far araldi poi della sua fede.
so that you may become heralds of his truth.
Itene dunque a publicarlo, e sia
Therefore go forth and make it known, and let
l’orme del nostro amor; che fortunata
the footprints of our Beloved;
premio del vostro pianto
the reward for your tears
sarà ben chi lo trovi!
how happy will be she who finds him!
della gioia comune il primo vanto.
be the first proclamation of universal glory.
Verso il bosco io me vado,
I shall go towards the wood,
mentre tu verso gli orti i passi movi.
while you make your way to the gardens.
Aria
19 Sì, sì, cerchiamo pure
Yes, yes, indeed let us seek
Aria
Angel
Aria
Aria
As it was by the sin of sad woman
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
all’ huomo nel seno la morte
that death seeped its cruel poison
20 Augelletti,
il crudo veleno sgorgò,
into the heart of man:
ruscelletti
and placid streams
dian le donne la nuova felice,
so women are given the happy news
che cantando, mormorando
who in singing and murmuring
che chi vinse la morte già morto
that he who conquered death, once dead
date lodi al mio Signore,
give praise to my Lord,
poi risorto la vita avvivò.
and now risen, has revived life itself.
insegnatemi dov’è!
show me where he is.
Fiori ed herbe,
Flowers and grasses,
Angelo
16 Se per colpa di donna infelice
Little birds,
Recitativo
Recitative
già superbe
now proud
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
di lambir le sacre piante,
to caress the holy feet,
My Jesus, my Lord,
deh mostrate a un cor amante
ah! show my loving heart
già che risorto sei,
now that you are risen,
le bell’orme del suo pie!
the beautiful imprints of his steps.
perchè, perchè ti ascondi a gli occhi miei?
why, oh why are you hiding from my eyes?
17 Mio Giesù, mio Signore,
Può ben la fede, è vero,
It is indeed true that faith can
far che l’amore adori il gran mistero:
bring the heart to revere great mystery;
13
Recitativo
Recitative
Recitativo
Recitative
S. Giovanni
St John
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
21 Dove si frettolosi,
Cleofe, rivolgi i passi?
Where are you going,
23 Cleofe, Giovanni, udite,
Cleophas, in such haste?
Cleophas, John, listen,
udite la mia nuova alta ventura!
listen to my marvellous news!
Hò veduto il quell’horto il mio Signore,
I have seen in that garden my Lord,
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
che havea d’un suo guardian preso figura
who had taken the appearance of one of the guardians.
In traccia di Giesù ch’è già risorto,
In search of Jesus, who is risen;
Mà dalle rozze spoglie
But from his rough garments
Come ancor Maddalena.
As Magdalene is searching too.
uscia luce si pura e così ardente,
there shone a light so pure and radiant
che pria degl’occhi il ravvisò la mente.
that my mind recognized him before my eyes did.
S. Giovanni
St John
Poi conobbi quel viso,
Then I recognized that face,
Onde il sapeste?
How do you know this?
in cui, per farsi bello,
the mirror into which Paradise gazes
si specchi il paradiso;
to beautify itself.
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
vidi le mani ancor, vidi le piante,
I also saw the hands and the feet,
Sovra l’aperto avello
Upon the open tomb
ed in esse mirai, lucide e vaghe,
and in them I noticed, shining and beautiful,
così a noi rivelò labro celeste.
the heavenly lip revealed it to us.
sfavillar come stelle
sparkling little stars,
quelle che furon pria funeste piaghe.
that once were deadly wounds.
S. Giovanni
St John
A baciarle il labro allor s’accinse,
Then my lips made ready to kiss him,
Così la madre a me poc’anzi ha detto,
So too his mother has just told me,
mà Giesù mi respinse, e dirmi parve:
but Jesus forbade me, and seemed to say:
a cui prima d’ogni altra
to whom, before all others,
“Tu non mi puoi toccar! Poscia disparve.”
‘You may not touch me; I may vanish.’
del figlio apparve il glorioso aspetto.
the glorious sight of her Son appeared.
S. Giovanni
St John
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
Non si dubiti più!
We can doubt no longer!
Oh, come lieta avrà quel figlio accolto!
Oh, how happy the welcome that Son must have had!
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
S. Giovanni
St John
Cessi ogni rio timore!
All tormenting fears are ended!
Parve ch’il suo bel volto,
It seemed that her lovely face,
di stille lacrimose humido ancora,
still wet with tears,
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
del sol divino all’improviso raggio
displayed at the unexpected rays of the divine Sun
è risorto Giesù.
Jesus is risen!
fosse traviso e pinto, un altra aurora.
a second dawn between smiling and weeping.
Poi la gioia veloce
Then joy ran rapidly
S. Giovanni
St John
corse dal seno al labro in questa voce:
from her heart to her lips in these words:
Viva e la nostra vita.
He lives, who is our life.
Aria
Aria
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
S. Giovanni
St John
Il nostro amore.
And our love!
22 Caro figlio, amato Dio,
Dear son, beloved God,
già il cor mio
already my heart leaps
Aria
Aria
nel vederti esce dal petto!
from my breast at seeing you.
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
E se lento
And though torment
fù in rapirmelo il tormento,
was slow to rob me of that heart
sei risorto, oh Sole amato,
you are risen, oh beloved Sun,
me lo toglie ora il diletto.
delight now takes it from me.
deh fà ancor ch’ogni mortale
ah, let all mortals rise with you
teco sorga dal peccato!
out of their sinful state.
24 Se impassibile, immortale
14
If immovable and immortal
Recitativo
Recitative
S. Giovanni
St John
25 Sì, sì, col Redentore
Yes, yes, with the Redeemer,
sorga il mondo redento!
let the redeemed world rise!
Cleofe
Mary Cleophas
Sorga dalle sue colpe il peccatore!
Let each sinner rise from his sins!
Maddalena
Mary Magdalene
Ed al suo fabro eterno
And to its eternal Creator
ogni creatura dia lodi ed honore.
let all creation give praise and honour!
Choro
Choir
26 Diasi lode in cielo, in terra
Praise is said in Heaven and Earth
a chi regna in terra, in ciel!
to him who reigns in Earth and Heaven!
Che risorto hoggi alla terra
For he has risen on Earth today
per portar la terra al ciel.
to lift Earth to Heaven.
FINE
THE END
15