Nulla in mundo pax sincera
Nulla in mundo pax sincera, RV 630, is a sacred motet composed by Antonio Vivaldi in 1735 to an anonymous Latin text, the title of which may be translated as "In this world there is no honest peace" or "There is no true peace in this world without bitterness". Written in the key of E major and in the typical lyrical Italian Baroque style, it is scored for solo soprano, two violins, viola and basso continuo, this would normally be a cello and keyboard instrument, in Vivaldi's case often the organ. The text dwells on the imperfections of a world full of evil and sin, and praises Jesus for the salvation he offers from it. It is considered to be one of Vivaldi's most beautiful solo motets.
The motet consists of three parts (Aria; Recitative; Aria), followed by a concluding Alleluia. A full performance of the piece takes approximately 13 minutes.
Text
Nulla in mundo pax sincera Inter poenas et tormenta
Blando colore oculos mundus decepit
Spirat anguis
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In this world there is no honest peace Amidst punishment and torment
This world deceives the eye by surface charms,
The serpent’s hiss conceals its venom,
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In Popular Culture
The first aria, sung by Jane Edwards, was featured in the 1996 film Shine.
Media
Nulla in mundo pax sincera (RV 630)
1. Larghetto
2. Recitativ
3. Allegro
Performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra with soprano Cristina Piccardi | |
Problems playing these files? See media help. |
External links
- Nulla in mundo pax sincera: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)
- Performance of Nulla in mundo pax sincera by A Far Cry with Amanda Forsythe (soprano) from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in M4A format