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The Forum > Article Comments > I think, therefore I am not sure what I am > Comments

I think, therefore I am not sure what I am : Comments

By Peter Sellick, published 18/5/2015

A wedge has been driven between thought and action that mimics Descartes division between mind and body, otherwise known as Cartesian dualism.

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My favourite version of Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater” - composed in 1736 during the final weeks of his life (Pergolesi died at the age of 26) :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERqmDg8zH_w&index=4&list=RDKaCPnMA8R9s

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And of Fauré’s “Hymn of Jean Racine”, written by the nineteen-year-old composer in 1864–65.

The text dates from 1688 and is in fact a translation of the hymn “Consors paterni luminis” which dates from the Middle Ages (5th to the 15th century) :

« Verb equal to God, the Almighty, our only hope,
Eternal day of the earth and heavens;
We break the silence of the peaceful night,
Divine Saviour, look upon us!
Fan the fire of your powerful grace upon us,
So that all Hell may flee at the sound of your voice;
Shake off the sleep of a languishing soul,
Who has forgotten your laws!
O Christ, be kind to these faithful people
Who have now gathered in thanks.
Listen to the chants they offer to your immortal glory,
And may they come away fulfilled with your gifts! »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEtW0Fdn8-s

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Posted by Banjo Paterson, Sunday, 31 May 2015 10:23:55 PM
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Here are two motets (short pieces of sacred choral music), by Baldassare Galluppi, born in 1706 on the island of Burano in the Venice lagoon, from which his nickname, “Il Buranello”, is derived.

In 18th century Italy, motets were sung either during mass or Vespers.

The text of the motet “Confitebor tibi, Domine”is a psalm of praise expressing respect and gratitude for God's gifts. The manuscript, bearing Galuppi's signature, was recently discovered in the library of the Dijon Conservatory in France. It is dated 1733. Galuppi was then 27 and his brilliant career as an opera composer had only just begun.

The second motet, “Arripe alpestri ad vallem” is a later work. The manuscript is kept in the Levi Foundation in Venice.

It is a metaphor for the remorse felt by the protagonist for her sins :

« Stop you people of the mountain-tops,
do not come down into the valley,
driving savage monsters before me.
Distraught with terror,
my trembling heart
gives way to despair.

Fleeing the barbarous fury,
I scour the hills
in search of a place to hide.
My heart has all but lost hope,
and overcome with fear,
has bereft me of courage.

O whither shall I flee, whither go?
In vain I seek grottoes and caves.
See how wild monsters with terrifying aspect
fall upon me unleashing
their burning rage and fury.

O God, am I to be devoured
by their voracious mouths
and my flesh torn by their insatiable teeth?

O God Be merciful to one who prays to you;
save me from the abyss opening before me, protect
and spare me, grant me forgiveness for my offences.
Even as I am guilty towards you, so great is my
affliction.

May my torments find appeasement
in the praise of Almighty God;
O may hearts ever be moved
and tears flow
when they tell all the peoples
and all the nations
of the glory
of the Most High

Hallelujah. »

Gallupi is considered one of Italy’s few original geniuses. His vocal compositions were not published. His manuscripts are scattered around the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8qZmAypUf

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Posted by Banjo Paterson, Tuesday, 2 June 2015 2:19:52 AM
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Oops ! My mistake. Try this ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8qZmAypUfQ

Sorry about that.

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Posted by Banjo Paterson, Tuesday, 2 June 2015 2:24:25 AM
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To think that Baldassare Galluppi (Il Buranello) preceded Mozart by 50 years !

Listen to his Sonata No. 5 in C major interpreted by Vadim Chaimovich ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7WlZN3qAQI

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Posted by Banjo Paterson, Sunday, 7 June 2015 8:34:13 PM
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Dear Banjo Paterson,

Thank you so much. Galluppi is playing while I am keying this in. Sure I will enjoy listening to the other you listed.
Posted by david f, Sunday, 7 June 2015 10:59:31 PM
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Hi Banjo, I'll second David's comment. When I was a lad I played in the school's baroque band (tenor recorder mostly-the smallest one with a key to reach the fingering for the notes below E, occasionally soprano or alto, wanted to play bass but my fingers weren't long enough) and this piece really took me back. Wish I could still play, but I lost interest after school, sadly.
Thanks.
Posted by Craig Minns, Monday, 8 June 2015 7:39:25 AM
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