This edition was prepared by Allen Garvin — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
All’apparir che fece all’improviso
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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All’apparir che fece all’improviso by Jacquet de Berchem — Lyrics
All'apparir che fece all'improviso
de l'acqua l'ombra, ogni pelo arricciossi,
e scolorossi al Saracino il viso;
la voce, ch'era per uscir, fermossi.
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About All’apparir che fece all’improviso
Imagine a moment of profound shock and terror, where the unexpected appearance of a shadowy form on the water causes every hair to stand on end and the colour to drain from a face. This is the dramatic scene conjured by Jacquet de Berchem in All’apparir che fece all’improviso. The text describes how a Saracen, witnessing this, is frozen with fear, unable to speak. Upon hearing of the defeat and betrayal (as the text explains the Saracen is named Argalia and was killed), he burns with shame and anger. This four-part Italian madrigal for SAAB voices powerfully captures the intense emotional turmoil of the moment, bringing a vivid narrative to life through its polyphonic setting. It is ideal for a choir seeking to explore the dramatic possibilities within secular Renaissance part-music.
