CARA SPOSA

“When love beckons to you follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden. For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning. Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth...” – Kahlil Gibran
 

It was a very pleasant Saturday today, with some much needed rest and relaxation, after the rather hectic week that’s been. The weather today was also rather mild with some wintry sunshine warming us up. Then this evening, a quiet time with good company, a glass of wine and some nice food…

Here is George Frideric Handel’s Cara Sposa, an aria from his opera “Rinaldo”, sung by Andreas Scholl, countertenor.



Cara sposa, amante cara,
dove sei?
Deh! Ritorna a' pianti miei.

Del vostro Erebo sull'ara
colla face del mio sdegno
io vi sfido o spirti rei!

My dear betrothed, my dear one,
where are you?
Come back to my tears!

Evil spirits, I defy you
with the fire of my wrath
on your infernal altar.