Ridente La Calma is the only song Mozart composed in an Art Song like style. The song's composition date is still not verified. However, it is known that Mozart was inspired by Czech composer Josef Mysliveček who included in one of his operas, a section of this song.
Musically, the song is in ABA style. It is mostly performed pianissimo with various places requiring a crescendo or decrescendo. While at first it seems to be an easy song to perform, it actually is very demanding. It requires the singer to perform it mostly pianissimo in legato while at the same time fully understand the song's words to be able to colour the voice accordingly and pass on to the audience the song's essence.
Mozart experimented with Mysliveček's version and created Ridente La Calma.
The song's words translate as per below:
Ridente la calma
The calmness is pleasant
Nell' alma si desti
in me/myself
Né resti, piú segno
There lies
di sdegnio e timor
no fear and no disrespect
Tu vieni frattanto
In the meantime, you arrive
A stringer mio bene
and I can lie on you, my dear
Le dolce catene
The sweet chains
Sí grate al mio cor
That make my heart greatful
References:
Walters, Richard (ed)., (1889) Standard Vocal Literature Soprano, (Milwaukee, Hal Leonard Cooperation).
2026
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