Il Diamante (The Diamond), ZWV 177, is a composition from 1737 by Czech baroque composer Jan Dismas Zelenka.
History
The secular vocal piece was performed as a surprise gift from the Electress Maria Josepha for the wedding feast of the Schwabian baroness Joanna von Stein and the Polish magnate prince Jerzy Ignacy Lubomirski.
The libretto was discovered in 20th century. The title refers to the bride's name (Stein) and to the special jewelry given to her by the electress as a wedding gift. The composition was a great opportunity for Zelenka to excel as other Dresden operatic composers (Johann Adolf Hasse, Giovanni Alberto Ristori) were busy at that time. It is composed in Italian operatic style.
Description
Terra offers Juno a gemstone as a guarantee of a marriage (Dresden). She asks Hymen and Cupid for a help, to bless the couple. After the final chorus, Venus' aria reminds us that only she can perfect fiancés' love.
Parts
Sinfonia (Allegro, adagio, Minuetto) Recitativo "Questa che il sol produce": Soprano, Terra Aria "Alla madre degli amori": Soprano, Terra Recitativo "Del gentile tuo dono": Soprano, Giunone Aria "Mira come sue candide piume": Soprano, Giunone Recitativo "Prima di scioglier il volo": Soprano+Alto+Soprano, Giunone, Imeneo, Amore Aria "Coronato di ghirlande": Alto, Imeneo Recitativo "Abitro del destino": Soprano, Amore Aria "Così per la foresta": Soprano, Amore Recitativo "Fido Imeneo, non più dimora": Soprano, Giunone Aria "Veder aspetta": Soprano, Giunone Recitativo "Gemma tal che in durezza": Alto+Soprano, Imeneo, Amore Aria "Di quegli occhi": Alto, Amore Recitativo "Tu che al mondo presiedi": Soprano, Terra Aria "Del volto della sposa": Soprano, Terra Coro "Godete che lice I" Recitativo "Dove amore si festeggia": Soprano, Venere Aria "Qui piegate": Soprano, Venere Coro "Godete che lice II"
Recordings
Adam Viktora, Prague Baroque Soloists & Ensemble Inégal. 2009.
See also Sub olea pacis et palma virtutis
References