Saint Cecilia in Ecstasy (1645)
Bernardo Cavallino (1616-c. 1656)
Che si può fare (1664)
Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677)
An affecting piece by Barbara Strozzi is chosen to celebrate the Roman patron saint of music, Saint Cecilia. Strozzi was not only a gifted singer, but she was also a highly sought-after composer. Her exceptional talents for composition were manifested in her impressive number of published secular vocal works.
Text
Che si può fare?
Le stelle rubelle
Non hanno pietà .
Che s'el cielo non dÃ
Un influsso di pace al mio penare,
Che si può fare?
​
Che si può dire?
Da gl'astri disastri
Mi piovano ogn'hor;
Se perfido amor
Un respiro diniega al mio martire,
Che si può dire?
English translation
What can I do?
The uncompromising stars
have no pity.
If heaven has no
influence of peace to soothe my sorrows,
what can I do?
​
What can I say?
The heavens keep raining disasters
down on me;
If the perfidious Cupid
denies a respite to my torments,
what can I say?
Performed by:
Vivian Yau (Soprano)