Vivaldi’s “Nulla in mundo pax sincera”: A Concerto for Voice
Following a traditional four part structure (aria-recitative-aria-Alleluia), Antonio Vivaldi’s sacred motets have been likened to “vocal concertos.” Composed between 1713 and 1719, Nulla in mundo pax sincera, RV 630 (“In this world there is no honest peace”) was intended for a virtuosic soprano with an exceptionally high range. Vivaldi composed this music while employed as music director at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice. Supported by the city and private patrons, the …