This edition was prepared by Allen Garvin — 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.
SSSSATB|SSA.SSTB · Willem Verkaik
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Che fai alma? by Giaches de Wert — Lyrics
Che fai alma?
Languisco,
Deh che ti fa languir misera?
Amore,
Ahi no'l sai tu mio core?
Oime dolente immaginata pena,
A lagrimar mi mena,
Ahi lassa,
Ahi lasso e mio ogni tormento,
Ma tua colpa,
E la colpa sol io sento,
Anzi è pur tua ch'accogl' aspri martiri,
Da soverchi desiri.
Anzi tua ch'a i tormenti,
Volontaria consenti,
Ah che far dunqu'ahi misero,
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About Che fai alma?
Giaches de Wert's Che fai alma? is a six-part madrigal for SSSATB voices. The composer explores the text's emotional turmoil through intricate vocal interplay. The music reflects the lament of a soul questioning its own languishing, with the text describing a painful love that leads to despair. The composer's setting captures the drama and pathos of the words, creating a powerful expression of unrequited or tormenting affection. This work showcases the expressive possibilities of Renaissance polyphony, with rich harmonies and contrapuntal lines that build to moments of intense feeling.
