Vi Ricorda Gender Analysis

Before a baby is even born, it’s gender and role in society is predetermined. Gender, a social construction, not only dictates what people “should” wear, but also how they “should” speak, and the jobs they “should” perform. For example, most societies expect men to be leaders, strong, dominant, honorable and ambitious. In contrast, women are viewed as nurturing, submissive, supportive, and sensitive. Essentially, gender serves as a primary basis for what is deemed acceptable. Furthermore, its use has more of a cognitive impact on an audience’s sense of understanding than what most would realize.
“In 1588, Pope Sixtus V issued an edict banning women from singing in churches. This had a religious basis, of course: “Let women keep silent in the
One example of this is clearly portrayed in Orpheus’s song “Vi Ricorda” as he expresses his happiness in finding love with Eurydice. A “characteristically rhythmic ritornello with strong hemiola becomes the refrain for Orpheus’s ‘Vi Ricorda’” stressing Orpheus’s elation, while keeping Eurydice out of the limelight.[ Mcgautreau. “Orfeo: Act II.” Baroque Notes, http://mcgautreau.com/notes/early/stage/orfeo2.php (accessed Feb. 28,
As Kelly describes it, “Monteverdi saves his most dazzling music for this moment.”[ Kelly, Thomas Forrest. Music, Then and Now. (New York: Norton, W. W. & Company, 2012) 111.
] Every aspect of the instrumentation chosen, down to the placement of the instrumentalists speaks into this piece and strengthens Orpheus’s attempt at persuasion. The effect of having a cornet echo in the background signifies the death of Orpheus’s heart and his longing to be with Eurydice. The tenderness portrayed through Orpheus’s timbre arguably evokes a sense of empathy and enchantment, and is essentially what compels Charon to take Orpheus across the river. Highlighting Orpheus’s abilities, “Possente Spirto” serves as a reminder that he is a demigod, and essentially delineates