Blogocentric Formulations

Vide Cor Meum

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DAY 16

Song: "Vide Cor Meum"
Artist: Patrick Cassidy (composer), Danielle de Niese & Bruno Lazzaretti (singers)
Album: Hannibal Soundtrack (2001)

I don't normally go for opera, but this composition is just so stunning; it really made me realize the elegance and emotion that an operatic performance can capture. Like so many songs I'm passionate about, I first heard this in a motion picture, in this case 2001's Hannibal. Without this track I never would have discovered other classical vocalists that I've grown to love, especially Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. I used to just pass by the opera section of a music store but after hearing this composition I started listening a little more closely and discovering some truly remarkable singing and composing talent.

One interesting fact about this piece... in 2006, Warner Classics released a list of the Top 40 Most Beautiful Arias, and this one was the only piece by a living composer to make the list. Patrick Cassidy has gone on to compose pieces for many other films including Terence Malick's Tree of Life, and Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven.

Even if you're not a fan of opera, give this one a listen. It's hauntingly beautiful.