Baci soavi e cari (Carlo Gesualdo)

From ChoralWiki

Music files

• CPDL #16490: Finale-2008

Editor: Daniel Harmer (added 2008-03-31)   Score information: A4, 4 pages   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: Finale file is zipped. The time signature varies through 4/2, 2/2 and 6/2. This made it virtually impossible to use with parts. The time signature is now 4/2 throughout. No other changes were made.

General Information

Title: Baci soavi e cari (Prima Parte)
Composer: Carlo Gesualdo

Number of voices: 5vv   Voicing: SATTB
Genre: Secular, Madrigal

Language: Italian
Instruments: a cappella.
Published: Il Primo Libro di Madrigali - 1594

Description: There is also a second part: Quanto ha di dolce amore.

External websites:

• Parts for individual voices and an adaptation for recorders

Original text and translations

Italian text Baci soavi e cari, Cibi de la mia vita, C'or m'involate, or mi rendete il core. Per voi convien ch'impari Come un'alma rapita Non sente il duol di morte E pur si more.

English translation by Mick Swithinbank Sweet kisses, so dear to me, Nourishment of my life – That life which you are now stealing from me – Now, sweet kisses, you are giving me back my heart. Because of you I must learn How a soul which is sundered from the body Feels not the pain of death Though its owner die.