Ma di che debbo lamentarmi (Claudio Merulo)

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(Posted 2023-01-29) CPDL #72424:

Editor: Allen Garvin (submitted 2023-01-29). Score information: Letter, 3 pages, 73 kB Copyright: CC BY NC

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: Ma di che debbo lamentarmi
Composer: Claudio Merulo
Lyricist: Ludovico Ariosto
Number of voices: 3vv Voicing: SAT
Genre: Secular, Madrigal

Language: Italian
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1580 in Il primo libro de madrigali à 3 voci (Venice: Angelo Gardano press) (no.5)
Description:

External websites:

Original text and translations

Italian text

Ma di che debbo lamentarmi, ahi lassa,
fuor che del mio desir irrazionale?
ch'alto mi leva e sì ne l'aria passa,
ch'arriva in parte ove s'abbrucia l'ale;
poi non potendo sostener, mi lassa
dal ciel cader: né qui finisce il male;
che le rimette, e di novo arde: ond'io
non ho mai fine al precipizio mio.

English translation

But, woe is me, alas! and, what can I
Save my irrational desire lament?
Which makes me soar a pitch so passing high,
I reach a region, where my plumes are brent;
Then, unsustained, fall headlong from the sky;
Nor ends my woe; on other flight intent,
Again I imp my wings, again I soar;
To flame and fall, tormented evermore.

Translation by William Stewart Rose