Sei miei sospiri
This piece written by Francois Joseph fetis was a described as a church aria. It was a piece that allowed a certain amount of religious expression. This piece was originally played with a stringed accompaniment. In fact the first performance was played in d minor with a stringed player accompanying the vocalist. This songs deep poetic idea is that this man is so in love with this women that his passion is the cause of her death. The goal of the poem is to ensure her that he would do anything to please her.
Italian text.
Se i miei sospiri,
Oh Dio! Placassero
L'empio sembiante
Che m'allettò:
Tutti i martiri
Che morte dassero
Sempre costante
Io soffrirò.
English Translation.
If my sighs
Oh God! would placate
the impious countenance
that menticed
all the sufferings
that death would-give,
always constant,
I will suffer.