I' piansi, or canto (Philippe de Monte)

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• (Posted 2025-05-19)  CPDL #84974:    (MIDI)    

Editor: Pothárn Imre (submitted 2025-05-19).   Score information: A4, 5 pages, 100 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Transcribed from 1570 print. Original key and note values.

• (Posted 2015-02-05)  CPDL #34482:        (Finale 2004)

Editor: Willem Verkaik (submitted 2015-02-05).   Score information: Letter, 6 pages, 440 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Note values halved.

General Information

Title: I' piansi, or canto
Composer: Philippe de Monte
Lyricist: Francesco Petrarca

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

Language: Italian
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1570 in Il terzo libro delli madrigali a cinque voci, no. 10
    2nd published: 1581 in Il terzo libro delli madrigali a cinque voci, no. 10
Description: Sonnet 230

Original text and translations

Italian text I' piansi, or canto, ché 'l celeste lume quel vivo sole alli occhi miei non cela, nel qual honesto Amor chiaro revela sua dolce forza et suo santo costume; onde e' suol trar di lagrime tal fiume, per accorciar del mio viver la tela, che non pur ponte o guado o remi o vela, ma scampar non potienmi ale né piume. Sí profondo era et di sí larga vena il pianger mio et sí lunge la riva, ch'i' v'aggiungeva col penser a pena. Non lauro o palma, ma tranquilla oliva Pietà mi manda, e 'l tempo rasserena, e 'l pianto asciuga, et vuol anchor ch'i' viva. Canzoniere 230

English translation I wept, now I sing, that the celestial light no longer hides the living sun from my eyes, where chaste clear Love reveals his sweet strength and his sacred custom: from them he drew such floods of tears, in shortening the thread of my life, not only bridges, fords, oars, sails, failed to rescue me, but feathered wings. My tears were so deep and wide, and the shore was so far away, I could not reach it, even in fancy. Now Pity brings me not the palm, or laurel, but the peaceful olive and clear weather, dries my tears, and wishes me still to live. Translation by Anthony S. Kline ©