Rappresentatione de Anima et di Corpo

Rappresentatione de Anima et di Corpo can be translated as “Representation of Soul and Body” and is the opera from the beginning of the 17th century which is experiencing its rebirth due to Theater an der Wien. The music was written by Emilio de’ Cavalieri and libretto was written by Agostino Manni. The opera is reflecting the idea of duality between body and soul which was dominating philosophical and religious works of the early 17th century. The idea of dualism means that there are two substances, body and soul. One of these substances is eternal and this is soul. And another one is subordinated which is body. The dualism was also including the idea that the needs of the body are secondary in relation to the needs of the soul.

This idea of dualism is well reflected in the opera “Rappresentatione de Anima et di Corpo” which even has the title reflecting the idea of dualism and the main protagonists are body and soul themselves. The opera is developing through different circles while bringing body and soul into dialogue which is motivated by external stimulus such as pleasures, perception of death or wish for the unification with God.

The opera was written in a format of oratorio and was performed the first time in the city of Rome, the holy city of the Catholic church and the concertation of the church hierarchy and power. The opera was written at the holy year, a special year when the church would give the scenes forgiving, the fact which brought several thousands of people to Rome in hope for salvation of their souls. This was also the year when Giordano Bruno was executed for his ideas about unity of the soul and body and the meaning of Earth as a human being with its own soul.

In the opera two protagonists Soul and Body go through various temptations such as pleasure or wealth and the Angel who is guiding them shows to them the vanity and emptiness of live of people who are striving to one of both. And only at the end of the opera when Body and Soul are reaching their unity with God they are triumphing, dancing and celebrating. The opera is a wonderful excursion into the first of the baroque music and middle age mysterias. It shows the universe of believes and values of people who lived at the beginning of the 17th century. The ambition of the authors of the opera goes even further as they carefully studied the ancient Greece music while creating the baroque opera.

As about the baroque opera, where one of the most famous representatives afterwards was Monteverdi. The opera is performed with the usage of ancient instruments which give so typical warm sound to the Baroque music. While listening to this music someone might thing about warm lights of candles and candelabras lightening palaces and castes of that time. The fascinating play of young dancers and opera singers deserves especial attention. It includes male soprano, virtual dances but also hanging on the ropes from the top of the scene while representing souls in heaven. Rappresentatione de Anima et di Corpo opened the autumn season of Theater an der Wien and many wonderful performances are still ahead such as Peter Crimes, La Wally, Tosca etc.