Leonardo is written for SSATB chorus (published in 2002) with an original text by Charles Anthony Silvestri about the idea of Leonardo da Vinci dreaming. Musically, the piece uses polyphonic imitation and chain suspensions, both common musical textures during the Renaissance period. Whitacre combines these with contemporary cluster and secondary chords, a signature compositional method of his. The piece is part of the repertoire of the Ramapo Chorale and this listening guide is intended for students of Ramapo College of New Jersey. |
| Act 1.1 "Opening Frame" Repeated text Leonardo dreams of his flying machine (not in original libretto). Preview of a musical motive, chain suspensions, used throughout the piece. |
| Act 1.2 "Leonardo" Tormented by visions of flight and falling, More wondrous and terrible each than the last, Master Leonardo imagines an engine To carry man up into the sun… |
| Act 1.3 "Call" And he’s dreaming the heavens call him Softly whispering their siren-song:“Leonardo, Leonardo, vieni à volare.” |
| Act 2.1 "Opening Frame" L’uomo colle sua congiegniate e grandi ale, Facciendo forza contro alla resistente aria. |
| Act 2.2 "Leonardo" As the candles burn low he paces and writes, Releasing purchased pigeons one by one Into the golden Tuscan sunrise… |
| Act 2.3 "Call" And as he dreams, again the calling,The very air itself gives voice:“Leonardo, Leonardo, vieni à volare.” |
| Act 3.1 "Opening Frame" Master Leonardo da Vinci dreams of his Flying Machine |
| Act 3.2 "Leonardo" As the midnight watchtower tolls, Over rooftop, street and dome, The triumph of a human being ascending In the dreaming of a mortal man. Leonardo steels himself, Takes one last breath, and leaps… |
| Act 3.3 "Leaps and Flight Section" “Leonardo vieni à volare! Leonardo, sognare! |