Nulla in mundo pax sincera

Nulla in mundo pax sincera, RV 630, is a sacred motet composed by Antonio Vivaldi in 1735 to an anonymous Latin text, the title of which may be translated as "In this world there is no honest peace" or "There is no true peace in this world without bitterness". 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. It is considered to be one of Vivaldi's most beautiful solo motets.

The motet consists of three parts (Aria; Recitative; Aria), followed by a concluding Alleluia. A full performance of the piece takes approximately 13 minutes.

The first aria of the piece was featured in the closing credits of the 1996 film Shine. This version featured Jane Edwards. Another notable version of the aria is that featuring Emma Kirkby accompanied by The Academy of Ancient Music.

Lyrics

Aria. Nulla in mundo pax sincera sine felle; pura et vera, dulcis Jesu, est in te. Inter poenas et tormenta vivit anima contenta casti amoris sola spe. Recitative. Blando colore oculos mundus decepit at occulto vulnere corda conficit; fugiamus ridentem, vitemus sequentem, nam delicias ostentando arte secura vellet ludendo superare. Aria. Spirat anguis inter flores et colores explicando tegit fel. Sed occulto factus ore homo demens in amore saepe lambit quasi mel. Alleluia.

Aria. In this world there is no honest peace free from bitterness; pure and true (i.e. peace) sweet Jesus, lies in Thee. Amidst punishment and torment lives the contented soul, chaste love its only hope. Recitative. This world deceives the eye by surface charms, but is corroded within by hidden wounds. Let us flee him who smiles, shun him who follows us, for by skilfully displaying its pleasures, this world overwhelms us by deceit. Aria. The serpent’s hiss conceals its venom, as it uncoils itself among blossoms and beauty. But with a furtive touch of the lips, a man maddened by love will often kiss as if licking honey. Alleluia.