Cantiamo a prova
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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Cantiamo a prova by Ruggiero Giovannelli — Lyrics
About Cantiamo a prova
Ruggiero Giovannelli’s Cantiamo a prova is a spirited Italian madrigal for SATB choir. The music opens with a lively interplay between the voices, quickly establishing a cheerful and somewhat boisterous character. The text, which is quite dramatic and confrontational, describes a dispute between shepherds. One shepherd, addressed as ‘caprar novello’ (new goatherd), is questioned about his flock and how he came to be tending it. The questioning becomes increasingly accusatory, hinting at theft and a disturbance of the peace amongst the shepherds. Giovannelli’s setting effectively captures this argumentative and teasing spirit with its energetic rhythms and imitative vocal lines.