Vivaldi: Nulla in mundo pax sincera (RV 630) / Kirkby
Nulla in mundo pax sincera (RV 630) is a sacred motet composed by Antonio Vivaldi to an anonymous Latin text, the title of which may be translated as "In this world there is no honest peace". Written in the key of E major and in the typical lyrical Italian Baroque style, it is scored for solo soprano, two violins, viola and basso continuo, this would normally be a cello and keyboard instrument, in Vivaldi's case often the organ. The text dwells on the imperfections of a world full of evil and sin, and praises Jesus for the salvation he offers from it.
The motet consists of three parts (Aria; Recitative; Aria), followed by a concluding Alleluia. A full performance of the piece takes approximately nine to eleven minutes.
The first aria of the piece was featured in the closing credits of the 1996 film Shine.
Nulla in mundo pax sincera Inter poenas et tormenta
Blando colore oculos mundus decepit
Spirat anguis
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In this world there is no honest peace Amidst punishment and torment
This world deceives the eye by surface charms,
The serpent’s hiss conceals its venom,
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