This edition was prepared by Ulrich Alpers — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Che fai alma
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SAATB · Renato Calcaterra
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Che fai alma by Philippe de Monte — Lyrics
Che fai alma che pensi havrem mai pace
Havrem mai tregua od havrem guerr’eterna
Che fia di noi non so ma in quel ch’io scerna
A suoi begl’occhi il mal nostro non piace
Che pro se con quegl’occhi ella ne face
Di state un ghiaccio un foco quando verna
Ella non ma colui che gli governa
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About Che fai alma
Philippe de Monte's Che fai alma is a secular Italian madrigal for SAATB voices. The text explores a tormented soul's questioning of peace and war, of eternal conflict versus respite. It describes a beloved's eyes, which can appear as ice in summer and fire in winter. The poem paints a vivid picture of inner anguish, where outward cheerfulness masks profound sadness and unspoken lament. This piece is ideal for a choir looking to explore the rich expressivity and complex emotional landscapes characteristic of Renaissance polyphony, offering a chance to engage with sophisticated word-painting and affective musical settings. Its intricate vocal writing demands careful attention to blend and balance.
