24 Italian Songs & Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries Medium High Voice – Book with Online Audio

24 Italian Songs & Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries

The essential Italian art song collection for classical voice students. For generations, G. Schirmer's 24 Italian Songs & Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries has been one of the most widely used collections for developing classical singers. Found in voice studios, college music programs and vocal libraries around the world, this celebrated collection introduces singers to foundational Italian repertoire while developing technique, diction, phrasing and musical expression.

Featuring beloved works associated with composers including Caldara, Caccini, Scarlatti, Giordani, Bononcini and Durante, the collection includes such enduring vocal standards as Caro mio ben, Alma del core, Sebben, crudele, Amarilli, mia bella, Già il sole dal Gange, O del mio dolce ardor and Vittoria, mio core!

Listen to Sample Accompaniments

Hear examples of the piano accompaniments as you explore this classic collection:

A Cornerstone of Classical Voice Training

There's a reason voice teachers have assigned these songs for generations. The repertoire gives developing singers an approachable introduction to many of the skills at the heart of classical vocal study.

Students can work on Italian diction, legato singing, breath control, vowel consistency, phrasing, dynamics, ornamentation and expressive interpretation while studying repertoire that remains relevant well beyond the beginning stages of vocal training.

Rather than being a songbook a student quickly outgrows, 24 Italian Songs & Arias is a collection singers often return to throughout their vocal development.

Essential Repertoire for Voice Lessons, Recitals & Auditions

For singers beginning serious classical voice study, these Italian songs and arias provide an important bridge between vocal exercises and larger operatic repertoire.

The collection is particularly useful for:

• Private voice lessons
• High school and college vocal study
• Classical vocal technique development
• Italian diction study
• Solo and ensemble preparation
• Studio recitals
• Vocal auditions and adjudications
• Developing expressive interpretation and phrasing
• Building a foundation for more advanced art song and operatic repertoire

The Classic G. Schirmer Edition

This G. Schirmer collection uses the familiar Alessandro Parisotti realizations that generations of singers and teachers have known. The piano accompaniments provide singers with satisfying musical support while helping students develop an understanding of style, phrasing and collaboration between vocalist and pianist.

For a singer building a classical music library—or a teacher assembling essential materials for a voice studio—24 Italian Songs & Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries belongs among the fundamentals.

Contents – 24 Italian Songs & Arias

• Alma del core
• Amarilli, mia bella
• Caro mio ben
• Che fiero costume
• Come raggio di sol
• Danza, danza, fanciulla gentile
• Già il sole dal Gange
• Il mio bel foco
• Lasciatemi morire
• Le violette
• Nel cor più non mi sento
• Nina
• Non posso disperar
• O cessate di piagarmi
• O del mio dolce ardor
• Per la gloria d'adorarvi
• Pietà, Signore!
• Pur dicesti, o bocca bella
• Se Florindo è fedele
• Se tu m'ami
• Sebben, crudele
• Tu lo sai
• Vergin, tutto amor
• Vittoria, mio core!

Why Voice Teachers Recommend 24 Italian Songs & Arias

These pieces are musically rewarding without requiring a young singer to begin with the demands of a complete operatic role. Individual songs allow teachers to select repertoire appropriate to a student's current technical development while introducing important concepts of classical style.

That combination of accessible repertoire, technical value and enduring musical quality has helped make this collection a standard part of classical voice education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 24 Italian Songs & Arias?

24 Italian Songs & Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries is a classic G. Schirmer vocal collection containing Italian repertoire widely used in classical voice training. The songs help students develop technique, Italian diction, phrasing and interpretation.

Is 24 Italian Songs & Arias good for beginning singers?

It is especially well known as foundational repertoire for students beginning serious classical vocal study. A voice teacher can select individual pieces according to the singer's range, experience and technical development.

Is this book used for voice lessons?

Yes. 24 Italian Songs & Arias has long been a standard resource in private voice studios and academic vocal programs. Individual selections can be used for lessons, recitals, auditions and vocal study.

What famous songs are in 24 Italian Songs & Arias?

Some of the best-known selections include Caro mio ben, Sebben, crudele, Amarilli, mia bella, Alma del core, Già il sole dal Gange, O del mio dolce ardor, Se tu m'ami and Vittoria, mio core!

Why are Italian songs and arias used in classical voice training?

This repertoire gives developing singers opportunities to work on important fundamentals including legato singing, breath support, consistent vowels, diction, musical phrasing and expressive interpretation within manageable solo literature.

An Essential Book for the Developing Classical Singer

Some vocal books are useful for a semester. This is one singers keep.

From a student's first Italian art songs to recitals, auditions and continued classical study, 24 Italian Songs & Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries provides repertoire that can grow with the singer.

Whether you're a voice student, private teacher or serious classical vocalist, this landmark G. Schirmer collection deserves a place in your music library.