Caldara was born in Venice (exact date unknown), the son of a violinist. He became a chorister at St Mark's Cathedral also in Venice, where he learned several instruments, probably under the instruction of Giovanni Legrenzi. In 1699 he relocated to Mantua, where he became maestro di cappella to the Duke. He remained there until 1707, then moved on to Rome, becoming maestro di cappella to Prince Ruspoli. While there he wrote "Faithfulness in Love Defeats Treachery" for the public theatre at Macerata. In 1716, he obtained a similar post in Vienna to serve the Imperial Court, and there he remained until his death.
Caldara is best known as a composer of operas and oratorios. Several of his works have libretti by Metastasio.
Sebben
Antonio Caldara Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mi fai languir,
sempre fedele.
sempre fedele ti voglio amar.
Sebben Crudele.
Mi fai languir,
Sempre fedele ti voglio amar.
Con la lunghezza,
Del mio servir,
La tua fierezza,
La tua fierezza,
Saprò stancar,
La tua fierezza,
Saprò stancar.
Sebben Crudele,
Mi fai languir,
sempre fedele.
sempre fedele ti voglio amar.
Sebben Crudele.
Mi fai languir,
Sempre fedele ti voglio amar
The lyrics to Antonio Caldara's song Sebben Crudele delve into the idea of unrequited love and the pain and suffering it causes. The singer is addressing their beloved, who they describe as "sebben crudele," meaning "cruel though it may be." The singer expresses that they are constantly suffering due to their feelings for this person, yet they still vow to love them faithfully.
The next stanza describes the length of the singer's devotion and their determination to wear down the pride of their beloved. They express that they will not give up, even if it takes a long time to do so. The chorus repeats the same sentiment, with the singer expressing their continued love and devotion despite the pain that it causes them.
The overarching theme of this song is the power of love, even in the face of adversity and heartache. The singer is willing to endure suffering to remain faithful to their beloved, even if it means going up against their pride and cruelty. It speaks to the idea that true love can conquer all and endure any challenge.
Line by Line Meaning
Sebben Crudele,
Despite your cruel ways,
Mi fai languir,
You make me suffer,
sempre fedele.
Yet still I remain faithful to you.
sempre fedele ti voglio amar.
I will always love you and remain faithful.
Con la lunghezza,
With the length,
Del mio servir,
Of my service to you,
La tua fierezza,
Your pride and arrogance,
Saprò stancar,
I will eventually tire and overcome.
La tua fierezza,
Your pride and arrogance,
Saprò stancar.
I will eventually tire and overcome.
Sebben Crudele,
Despite your cruel ways,
Mi fai languir,
You make me suffer,
sempre fedele.
Yet still I remain faithful to you.
Sempre fedele ti voglio amar.
I will always love you and remain faithful.
Contributed by Michael H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Opera Music Nerd
I love these types of videos! I'm actually learning Sebben Crudele right now! However, this practice edition is in D minor, which I believe is the medium voice key. I'm singing it in F minor, the high voice key. Is there a way you could make a practice version in Fm?
ClassicalSinging
Yes it's possible. I'll make it ASAP and let you know
Suzanne Swanson
I sang this for district music contest years ago! The memories!
Hank Glidden
Thank Christ, I literally could not find this in d minor anywhere
Tesfu Weldemikael
And I literally could not find the version I was looking for anymore. A light kind of a tenor, not that big and fat like most versions. Do you happen to have any idea?
Nishalya Vijaykumar
your pfp tramautizes me
Paola Veronica Carrizo
Muchas gracias
María Celeste Gálvez
Is this for mezzosoprano?
ClassicalSinging
Yes it is
María Celeste Gálvez
@ClassicalSinging thanks!