This edition was prepared by Pothárn Imre — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A qualunque animale
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
Preview
0
0
2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · Pothárn Imre
Preview
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
A qualunque animale by Jacquet de Berchem — Lyrics
A qualunque animale alberga in terra,
se non se alquanti ch'ànno in odio il sole,
tempo da travagliare è quanto è 'l giorno;
ma poi che 'l ciel accende le sue stelle,
qual torna a casa et qual s'anida in selva
per aver posa almeno infin a l'alba.
Et io, da che comincia la bella alba
a scuoter l'ombra intorno de la terra
svegliando gli animali in ogni selva,
non ò mai triegua di sospir' col sole;
pur quand'io veggio fiammeggiar le stelle
vo lagrimando, et disïando il giorno.
Quando la sera scaccia il chiaro giorno,
et le tenebre nostre altrui fanno alba,
miro pensoso le crudeli stelle,
che m'ànno facto di sensibil terra;
et maledico il dí ch'i' vidi 'l sole,
che mi fa in vista un huom nudrito in selva.
Non credo che pascesse mai per selva
sí aspra fera, o di nocte o di giorno,
Read full lyrics
About A qualunque animale
This secular Italian madrigal for SATB voices by Jacquet de Berchem explores the contrast between the natural world's rest at night and the lover's perpetual unrest. The text describes how all creatures on earth seek repose when night falls, with even the sun's adversaries finding shelter. Yet, the poet finds no peace, tormented by constant sighs whether under the sun or gazing at the stars. The madrigal vividly portrays this sleepless suffering, where the speaker's transformation into 'sensible earth' is blamed on the stars, and the very daylit sun is cursed for its role in this enduring torment. It's a poignant reflection on unrequited love's sleepless nights and a clear choice for a contemplative concert program.
