An aria in an opera - Handel's 'Ombra mai fu,' for example - gets along with an incredibly small number of words and ideas and a large amount of variation and repetition. That's the beauty of it. It's not taxing to the listener's intelligence because if you haven't heard it the first time round, it'll come around again.

James Fenton's quote highlights the power of repetition and variation in art, particularly in music. He uses the example of an aria from Handel's opera, specifically "Ombra mai fu," to emphasize how simple lyrics can be paired with intricate musical structures. By using minimal words and ideas, the aria avoids overwhelming the listener with complexity. Instead, it offers repetition and variation, making it more accessible and enjoyable to the audience.

The beauty of this approach lies in its ability to maintain the listener's interest without demanding too much mental effort. Fenton points out that even if you don’t grasp the full meaning of the aria on the first listen, the repetition ensures you will encounter it again, giving you multiple chances to understand and appreciate the work. This creates a subtle but effective learning process through repetition and refrains, making the music approachable for all levels of understanding.

The quote reflects a broader principle in many forms of art, where simplicity and repetition can be powerful tools to create a profound experience. Fenton’s point suggests that sometimes, less is more, and the repetition allows the listener to enjoy the piece without it becoming mentally or emotionally taxing.