Which aria is 'Possente spirto' from L'Orfeo?

• A. Cruda Amarilli
• B. Pur ti miro
• C. Il Lamento della ninfa
• D. Possente spirto from L'Orfeo opera

Answer: (D)

This question tests your ability to identify where a well-known aria comes from within Monteverdi’s repertoires. Possente spirto is sung by Orfeo in the opera L’Orfeo as he appeals to the spirits of the underworld to release Eurydice. It’s a dramatic high point that showcases early Baroque expressive style—Orfeo’s pleas are set with powerful text emphasis and a virtuosic vocal line that contrasts with the surrounding recitative sections, highlighting the operatic emphasis on emotional storytelling.

The other pieces come from different works: Cruda Amarilli is a madrigal not tied to an opera; Pur ti miro is from L’incoronazione di Poppea; and Il Lamento della ninfa is from Arianna. Since the aria in question is specifically from L’Orfeo, it’s the best fit.