Cleopatra's aria "Se pietà di me non senti" is one of the most poignant and emotional moments in Handel's opera Giulio Cesare in Egitto (Julius Caesar in Egypt), which premiered in 1724.
Soprano Monta Martinsone. Baroque orchestra 'Collegium Musicum Riga'. Riga, 2025
BAROQUE OPERA GALA
At this moment in the opera, Cleopatra is in deep despair. She has been captured by her brother Tolomeo, her hopes for love and power are crumbling, and she fears that Julius Caesar may have abandoned her. In "Se pietà di me non senti" ("If you feel no pity for me"), she pleads with fate and the gods, expressing her sorrow and desperation.
This aria is a slow and deeply expressive largo, showcasing Cleopatra’s vulnerability. Handel’s use of long, sustained vocal lines and ornamentation allows the singer to bring out the full depth of Cleopatra’s emotions. The delicate, almost weeping instrumental accompaniment enhances the aria’s sorrowful and pleading nature.
Unlike Cleopatra’s earlier arias, which display her charm and confidence, "Se pietà di me non senti" reveals a completely different side of her character—her suffering, humanity, and sincerity. It is one of the most touching moments in the opera and a highlight of the soprano repertoire.