aldo d'Este, the bravest
of the Crusaders, by Armida and her sirens, who at last calls upon the
Queen of Spirits to aid them in their hopeless task, the thwarting of the
powers of evil, and the final triumph before Jerusalem.

The first part opens with a chorus of pilgrims and women in the band of
the Crusaders, expressive of the weariness and sufferings they have
endured in their long wanderings, the end of which still appears so far
away. As the beautiful music dies away, the inspiring summons of Peter
the Hermit is heard, leading up to the Crusaders' song,--a vigorous,
war-like melody, full of manly hope and religious fervor. An evening
prayer of pious longing and exalted devotion closes this part.

The second part is entitled "Armida," and introduces the evil genius of
the scene. A strange, mysterious orchestral prelude indicates the baneful
magic of the sorcerer's wiles. In a remarkably expressive aria, Armida
deplores her weakness in trying to overcome the power of the cross. As
she sees Rinaldo, who has left his tent to wander for a time in the night
air, she calls to the spirits to obey her incantation:--

"Cause a palace grand to rise,
Let a sea before it glimmer.
In the walls of richest gold
Let the purest diamonds shimmer;
Round the fountains' pearly rim,
Where bright the sunbeams are glancing,
Plashing low and murmuring sweet,
Set the merry wavelets dancing.
In yon hedge of roses where fairies rock in softest dreaming,
Fays and elfins bid appear, and sirens float in waters dreaming.
All around let music ring,
Fill the air with sweetest singing;
Lure them on with magic power,
To our midst all captive bringing.
Sing remembrance from their hearts,
Till they bow, my will fulfilling;
Make them every thought forego,
Every wish, save mine own, stilling."

After another invocation of the spirits, the sirens appear, singing a
sensuous melody ("I dip my white Breast in the soft-flowing Tide"). Then
begins the temptation of the wandering Knight. He starts in surprise as
he hears the voices rising from the waves, and again they chant their
alluring song. They are followed by Armida, who appeals to him in a
seductive strain ("O Rinaldo, come to never-ending Bliss"). The Knight
joins with h