"È la solita storia del pastore" is an aria from the opera "L'arlesiana" composed by Francesco Cilea. Here are some interesting facts about Francesco Cilea and this famous aria:
Early Life and Education: Francesco Cilea was born on July 23, 1866, in Palmi, Italy. He showed musical talent from a young age and studied at the Naples Conservatory, where he was taught by famous composers like Paolo Serrao.
"L'arlesiana": Cilea's opera "L'arlesiana" was premiered in 1897 at the Teatro Lirico in Milan. While the opera as a whole is not as well-known as some other Italian operas, the aria "È la solita storia del pastore" has become a staple in the tenor repertoire and is often performed in recitals and concerts.
The Aria's Context: In "L'arlesiana," the aria is sung by Federico, the protagonist. He sings about his unrequited love for a woman named Rosa Mamai, who is the "arlesiana" of the opera's title. The aria is an emotional reflection on love and longing.
Lyricism and Emotion: "È la solita storia del pastore" is known for its lyrical and expressive melody. It captures the depth of Federico's emotions as he recalls the story of a shepherd who fell in love with a beautiful maiden, only to be rejected and left with a sense of desolation.
Frequent Performance: The aria is often performed in both opera productions and solo recitals. Its lyrical beauty and emotional depth make it a favorite among tenors and a popular choice for showcasing their vocal prowess.
Cilea's Style: Cilea was part of the late-Romantic Italian operatic tradition, and his compositions often feature lush orchestrations and passionate melodies. While he composed several operas, "L'arlesiana" remains one of his most notable works.
Legacy: Although Cilea's output is smaller compared to some of his contemporaries like Verdi and Puccini, his contributions to Italian opera are still celebrated. "È la solita storia del pastore" continues to captivate audiences and showcase the enduring appeal of his music.
Other Notable Works: In addition to "L'arlesiana," Cilea composed other operas, including "Adriana Lecouvreur," which is one of his most famous works. "Adriana Lecouvreur" features another well-known aria called "La dolcissima effigie," sung by the character Maurizio.
Francesco Cilea's music, especially the aria "È la solita storia del pastore," is a testament to the power of Italian operatic storytelling and the enduring beauty of his compositions.