T'amo, mia vita (Carlo Gesualdo)

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(Posted 2018-03-03) CPDL #48968:

Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2018-03-03). Score information: Letter, 3 pages, 65 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Reformatting of #19327. Time signature standardised at 4/2 throughout.

(Posted 2011-10-08) CPDL #23801:

Editor: Adam Steele (submitted 2011-06-27). Score information: Letter, 5 pages, 64 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Includes intralinear translation and editorial suggestions for solo/tutti sections.

(Posted 2009-04-23) CPDL #19327: (Sibelius 5)

Editor: Daniel Harmer (submitted 2009-04-23). Score information: Letter, 4 pages, 42 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: T'amo, mia vita
Composer: Carlo Gesualdo
Lyricist: Giovanni Battista Guarini

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

Language: Italian
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1609 in Teatro de madrigali (ed. Scipione Riccio), no. 2
2nd published: 1611 in Madrigali a 5 voci, libro quinto, no. 21
Description:

External websites:

Facsimile: Partitvra delli sei libri de’ Madrigali a cinqve voci — Madrigals Books I – VI (Genoa: Giuseppe Pavoni, 1613) – large download, 70 MB, 492pp

Original text and translations

Italian text

“T'amo, mia vita”, la mia cara vita
mi dice, e in questa sóla
dolcissima paròla
par che trasformi lietamente il còre
per farsene signóre.
O voce di dolcezza e di diletto,
prèndila tosto, Amóre,
stàmpala nel mio còre!
Spiri solo per te l'anima mia:
“T'amo, mia vita” la mia vita sia.

English translation

“I love you, my life*”, my beloved
says to me,
and with these few sweet words
calmly she seems to change her mind,
making me master of her heart.
Such sweet, delightful words:
Cupid, take them
and imprint them on my heart.
May I live and breathe only for you;
Let “I love you, my life” be my life.
(* i.e., my sweetheart)

Translation by Mick Swithinbank