This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Diaphenia
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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Diaphenia by Francis Pilkington — Lyrics
Diaphenia, like the daffadowndilly,
White as the sun, fair as the lily,
Heigh ho, how I do love thee!
I do love thee as my lambs
Are belovèd of their dams:
How blest were I if thou would'st prove me.
Diaphenia, like the spreading roses,
That in thy sweets all sweets encloses,
Fair sweet, how I do love thee!
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About Diaphenia
Francis Pilkington’s Diaphenia paints a vivid picture of infatuation, using natural imagery to express ardent affection. The text compares the beloved to a daffodil and a lily, emphasizing her beauty and purity. The composer captures this pastoral charm in music that is both elegant and heartfelt. This English madrigal unfolds with melodic lines that mirror the simple yet deep emotions of the lyric. It is set for TTBB and SATB choirs, offering versatility for different ensemble sizes. The piece beautifully conveys the longing and devotion of the speaker, yearning for a reciprocal love, and is a delightful example of Renaissance secular part-music.
