Whenever my inspiration is on hold and I no longer seem to enjoy listening to my favorite artists, I turn to classical music. There, I can find a peaceful state of mind, where I can let go of expectations and feel completely lost in the majestic sounds.
Classical music is not everybody’s cup of tea. When confronted with something ancient and, potentially, difficult to understand, many people prefer to take a step back. Even for people like me, who regularly listen to it, classical music can be overpowering if you’re not in the right mind set. However, if you are in the right mind set, prepare yourself to experience music in a completely different way.
One of my favorite pieces of classical music is the duet “Pur ti miro, pur ti godo” taken from Monteverdi’s last and probably best opera, L’incoronazione di Poppea, which celebrates the love affair between Nerone and Poppea.
What I particularly like about this opera is the fact that it is radical and innovative. It talks about real existing people and their complicated relationships, it questions the morality of its time, it breaks down musical conventions. Also, what is interesting about this duet is that the original manuscript of the score was never found (only two surviving copies, which are very different from one another) and, although Nerone’s part was originally meant to be sung by a countertenor, many reproductions of the play chose a mezzo soprano instead. Thus, this moving and passionate duet can be enjoyed in its many ways and forms!
So, here’s my favorite version! Which one is yours?