This edition was prepared by Allen Garvin — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
I piansi, or canto
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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I piansi, or canto by Adrian Willaert — Lyrics
I' piansi, or canto, ché 'l celeste lume
quel vivo sole alli occhi miei non cela,
nel qual honesto Amor chiaro revela
sua dolce forza et suo santo costume;
onde e' suol trar di lagrime tal fiume,
per accorciar del mio viver la tela,
che non pur ponte o guado o remi o vela,
ma scampar non potienmi ale né piume.
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About I piansi, or canto
Adrian Willaert’s SSATTB madrigal I piansi, or canto, sets a Petrarchan sonnet expressing a profound transformation. The text describes a period of deep sorrow, where tears flowed so profusely that escape seemed impossible. However, through divine intervention and the gentle hand of Pity, the emotional storm passes. The sun of heavenly light, which had been obscured, now shines again, drying the tears and restoring hope. This secular Italian part-song, perfect for a moments reflection or poignant expression, showcases Willaert’s mastery of word painting and contrapuntal texture, allowing the singers to vividly portray the shift from despair to serene acceptance.
