Il bel ciglio d'Irene

This cantata, from an important manuscript in Berlin containing 18 Albinoni cantatas for soprano and continuo, is the opening work of the set. A shepherd receives a glance that he believes to be significant from Irene, on whom he has set his affections. Was this glance genuinely meant or only teasing? In two recitatives and two arias, variously playful and reflective, Albinoni explores the possibilities.