This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A silly sylvan, kissing heav'n-born fire
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.
SSATB,AATTB · James Gibb
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A silly sylvan, kissing heav'n-born fire by John Wilbye — Lyrics
A silly sylvan, kissing heav'nborn fire,
Scorchèd his lips for his so fond desire:
I, not so fond, but gazed whilst such fire burned,
And all my heart straight into flames was turned.
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About A silly sylvan, kissing heav'n-born fire
This is a secular madrigal for double choir (SSATB, AATTB) by John Wilbye, a master of the genre. Written in English, the text paints a vivid picture of unrequited love. The first section describes a foolish shepherd who is burned by his desire, drawing a parallel to the composer's own experience of gazing upon a beloved. The second part contrasts the shepherd's just punishment for stealing fire with the singer's own perceived injustice, as the object of his affection possesses a divine beauty – a 'heav'n-born fire' – bestowed by the gods and graces. This complex emotion, expressed through the rich textures of the double choir, makes it a compelling choice for a Renaissance music programme.
