Santu De Silva wrote:

>Does anyone have knowledge of where I might find a recording of the aria,
>for what voice is it written (Mezzo?), or whether it is an orchestral
>interlude in the opera? I know there are several violinists on the list
>(Chris?) and at least one singer, and I'm hoping someone knows.

According to Kobbe's Opera Book"

   "The symphonic *intermezzo* which, under the name of '*Meditation'*,
   separates this act from the following, is nothing but an adorable
   violin solo, supported by the harps and the development of which, on
   the taking up again of the first motif by the violin, brings bout
   the entrance of an invisible chorus, the effect of which is purely
   exquisite."

So, except for the invisible chorus at the conclusion, the Meditation is
indeed purely an instrumental piece.

>Two more tiny questions:
>
>1. Was "Who is Sylvia?" by Schubert written for solo or chorus?  This
>is another favorite of mine.

Too lazy to look it up unless nobody else will!  [Why not take one minute
and check either of the online Schubert works lists linked from Classical
Net?  -Dave]

>2.  Can anyone provide information about a chorus by Beethoven whose
>opening line (in English translation) goes: "The heav'ns proclaim Him
>(with ceaseless devotion)" sung in unison? It's a very simple and jolly
>piece to sing--we sang it in grade school.  I seem to remember that it was
>in C major.  (I asked this question on another list, but I have lost the
>responses I received...mea culpa.)

We sang it in school, when we still had school prayer in the public
schools.  It was called "The Glory of God and Nature" and went something
like this:

"To God eternal
 The heavens render glory.
 Proclaim his power
 In wondrous words.

     ***

 Who holds (some of us repeating "Who holds" while others were just holding
"holds") the stars in   place ("place" being held by some, while others sang
"in their places") eternal,
 Who bids, who bids the sun his light diffuse.
 He dawns in brightness
 And splendor supernal
 And hero-like His way pursues.
 And hero-like His way pursues."

Walter Meyer