Grace Notes

Preview of April 5th and 6th Program

JO SHUTE

L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato is a musical composition (an oratorio) by George Frideric Handel based on two poems by John Milton, “L’Allegro” (meaning “the cheerful one”) and “Il Penseroso” (meaning “the thoughtful one”), which explore contrasting states of mind: joyful exuberance and contemplative melancholy; a third section, “Il Moderato” (the moderate one), was added by the librettist Charles Jennens to bridge the gap between the two opposing moods, creating a narrative that depicts the interplay between these contrasting perspectives on life. 

Key elements of the story:

L’Allegro: This section celebrates the joys of a lively, outdoor life, filled with bright colors, music, dancing, and social interaction, often depicted as a sunny day in the countryside. 

Il Penseroso: In contrast, this part embraces the tranquility of solitude, deep thought, and introspection, often associated with nighttime and the beauty of the moon. 

Il Moderato: This middle section acts as a balancing force, offering a more moderate perspective, sometimes representing the wisdom gained from experiencing both joy and contemplation. 

How the story unfolds:

The music shifts between lively, energetic passages representing L’Allegro’s joyful spirit and more somber, reflective melodies reflecting Il Penseroso’s contemplative mood. 

The narrative is not a linear story with characters, but rather a series of contrasting images and emotions that are juxtaposed to create dramatic tension. 

The “Moderato” sections provide moments of transition, allowing the listener to reflect on the different perspectives presented. 

Musical interpretation:

The beauty of L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato lies in Handel’s ability to translate the nuances of Milton’s poetry into music, using different textures, tempos, and instrumentation to capture the contrasting moods. 

Come experience the story as UVB’s orchestra, choir, and 4 soloists bring this beautiful work to life!