Songs / arias by Caldara available for online printing in any key.

Antonio Caldara (c. 1670 – 28 December 1736) was an Italian Baroque composer.

Caldara born in Venice was the son of a violinist. As a young boy he became a chorister at St Mark’s in Venice. There he learned several instruments, probably under the instruction of the organist and composer Giovanni Legrenzi. 



Caldara composed more than 70 operas, 30 oratorios, as well as other works such as sonatas and motets.

“Come raggio di sol,” (As a ray of sunshine) is one of Caldara’s earlier songs. The lover speaks of putting on a contented demeanour that is hiding inner torment.



Caldara died in Vienna in 1736, aged 66.

Come raggio di sol. The poem is anonymous.

Come raggio di sol mite e sereno
sovra placidi flutti si riposa
mentre del mare
mentre del mare nel profondo seno
sta la tempesta ascosa.
Così riso talor gaio e pacato
di contento, di gioia un labbro infiora,
mentre nel suo segreto il cor piagato
s'angoscia e si martora.

English translation.

Like a ray of mild and serene sunshine

Like a ray of mild and serene sunshine
you rest on placid waves
while the sea,
while the sea in its deep bosom
a storm is hidden.
So I laughed some times cheerfully and calmly
a lip flowers with contentment, with joy,
while in his secret wounded heart
he becomes distressed and tormented.