This edition was prepared by Allen Garvin — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Cantai: or piango
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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Cantai: or piango by Adrian Willaert — Lyrics
Cantai, or piango, et non men di dolcezza
del pianger prendo che del canto presi,
ch'a la cagion, non a l'effetto, intesi
son i miei sensi vaghi pur d'altezza.
Indi et mansüetudine et durezza
et atti feri, et humili et cortesi,
porto egualmente, né me gravan pesi,
né l'arme mie punta di sdegni spezza.
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About Cantai: or piango
Adrian Willaert was a pivotal figure in the development of the madrigal. This setting, Cantai: or piango, is a secular Italian piece for SAATTB voices. The text explores a complex emotional state where the singer finds as much sweetness in weeping as they did in singing. The senses are focused on a higher purpose, and the singer experiences opposing emotions and circumstances – gentleness and harshness, ferocity and courtesy, burdens and freedom from them – with equal equanimity. Love, his lady, the world, and his fortune are urged to maintain their usual way, for he believes he will always be happy. Whether burning, dying, or languishing, he feels his condition is the most noble under the moon, such is the sweetness at the root of his bitterness.
