This edition was prepared by Pothárn Imre — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Alma cortese
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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Alma cortese by Orlando di Lasso — Lyrics
Alma cortese in più bel lembo involta
Che potessi giamai ordir natura
Volgi la mente a la mia vita oscura
Ch'ogni sua gioia in grave doglia ha volta
E mentre m'è per lontananza tolta
La dolce vista innanzi a cui si fura
Pensier noioso e pena acerba e dura
I miei ardenti sospir talor ascolta
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About Alma cortese
This rich five-part Italian madrigal by Orlando di Lasso sets a Petrarchan sonnet expressing the pain of absence and longing. The poet addresses his beloved, asking her to turn her mind to his dark life, now that all joy has turned to sorrow. Even from afar, he implores her to listen to his ardent sighs, which echo like an afflicted voice calling her name. The text speaks of the memory of her beauty as the only sustenance for his suffering. This is a perfect choice for a concert programme, offering a chance to explore the expressive depth of Renaissance secular part-music.
