Signor, l'antica legge (Vincenzo Bellavere)

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(Posted 2024-02-04) CPDL #79006:

Editor: Gerhard Weydt (submitted 2024-02-04). Score information: A4, 8 pages, 210 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Transposed down a minor third because of the chiavette used.

(Posted 2024-02-04) CPDL #79005:

Editor: Gerhard Weydt (submitted 2024-02-04). Score information: A4, 8 pages, 209 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Original pitch.

General Information

Title: Signor, l'antica legge
Composer: Vincenzo Bellavere
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 5vv Voicing: SATTB
Genre: Sacred, Madrigal

Language: Italian
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1586 in Musica spirituale (Angelo Gardano), no. 13-14
Description:

External websites:

Original text and translations

Italian text

Signor, l’antica legge
Ch’al gran Mose tu hai dato
Non può sanar il mal, solo il corregge;
Ne alcun’ in quello stato
Puote dirsi beato.
Nova legge d’amore
Ne guid’al cielo,
Questa m’infiamm’il core.

Vergine, ahi, come al tuo figliol diletto
Potero gl’occhi tuoi mirar patienti
Percosso il viso e’l petto?
Deh poi che sofferir sì aspri tormenti
Ti piacque, tempra le mie voglie ardenti.

German translation

Herr, das alte Gesetz,
das du dem großen Mose gegeben hast,
kann das Übel nicht heilen, nur abändern;
und keiner in jenem Zustand
kann sich selig nennen.
Ein neues Gesetz der Liebe
geleitet uns zum Himmel,
dies entflammt mein Herz.

Jungfrau, ach, wie konnten an deinem geliebten Sohn
deine leidenden Augen betrachten
das zerschundene Antlitz und die Brust?
Ach, da solch bittere Qualen zu erleiden
dir gefiel, besänftigt das meine heftigen Willen.

Translation by Gerhard Weydt

English translation

Lord, the old law
you have given to the great Moses
cannot heal the evil, but only correct it;
and no one in this state
may call himself blessed.
A new law of love
guides us to heaven,
this inflames my heart.

Virgin, alas, how in your beloved son
your wailing eyes could behold
the battered face and breast?
Oh, as to suffer such bitter pains
you were willing, this will soothe my ardent wishes.