This edition was prepared by Leonardo Lollini — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Da così dotta man
Staff Notation • Secular, Canzonette
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5 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Da così dotta man by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina — Lyrics
Da così dotta man sei stato fatto,
Vaghissimo ritratto,
Ch'io non saprei ridir se viva sei,
O se fai dolci inganni a gli occhi miei.
Perché d'un guardo almen non mi contenti,
Se respiri e senti?
Ma se m'inganna troppo industre l'arte,
Ond'avvien che m'infiammi in ogni parte?
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About Da così dotta man
In this canzonetta, Palestrina explores the paradox of a lifelike portrait. The composer's setting of the Italian text captures the speaker's bewilderment at a painted image so realistic it could be alive, questioning whether it breathes or deceives the eye. The music reflects the lover's inner turmoil: the art's skill inflames the heart, yet the silent, cold beauty of the face paradoxically ignites passion. The SSA and SAT voicing allows for a rich interplay of voices, bringing to life the text's plea to Cupid for the portrait to gain life and speech, yet remain gentle and benevolent. It's a delicate exploration of love, art, and perception.
