Le Violette: Alessandro Scarlatti (1660-1725)
My first beautiful thing will be the violet (Viola hirsutula)– a lovely little flower that grows in the forests in the spring.
One of the privileges we have as pianists is accompanying other musicians. Listen to a recording of the lovely Italian art song, Le Violette, by composer Alessandro Scarlatti, and lyricist, Adriano Morselli.
I have two favorite recordings: one by Maria Lagos, soprano, and Dalton Baldwin, piano; and the second a sweet video by Joyce Yin, soprano, accompanied by Elizabeth Smith, piano. You can listen on many streaming audio or video services. (I’m not an endorser – you choose.)
The violet is so small and delicate it barely commands our attention. The text of this delightful song contemplates the humbleness of the violet in contrast with our own sometimes overly ambitious desires. It is a sweet song that I hope brings a bit of joyful and peaceful perspective to your day.
If you have more time to contemplate the violet, I’d like to tell you about the Sweet white violet (Viola blanda) in my garden. I am working on planting native plants to feed our pollinators. This violet supports the Fritillary butterfly larvae and its nectar attracts butterflies and bees. Members of the Viola genus support Andrena fragilis, Andrena integra, and Andrena platyparia bees. Bees are good!
Are you able to get out for a walk and find a woodland violet today? Let me know in the comments!