This edition was prepared by Willem Verkaik — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Che fai? Che pensi?
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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Che fai? Che pensi? by Gioseffo Guami — Lyrics
Che fai? Che pensi? che pur dietro guardi
Al tempo che tornar non puote homai?
Anima sconsolata, che pur vai
Giungendo legne al foco ove tu ardi?
Le soavi parole e i dolci sguardi
Ch'ad un' ad un descritti e depinti hai,
Son levati de terra; et è ben sai,
Qui ricercarli intempestivo e tardi.
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About Che fai? Che pensi?
Gioseffo Guami's Che fai? Che pensi? is a masterful example of the Italian madrigal tradition. Set for SATTB voices, this secular work captures the essence of Renaissance part-music with its intricate vocal interplay. The text, drawn from Petrarch's Canzoniere, explores themes of regret and futile longing for the past. The singer is urged to cease dwelling on what cannot be reclaimed and to abandon deceptive thoughts. Instead, the poem advises seeking solace in the heavens, acknowledging that earthly beauty, whether alive or dead, has robbed the singer of peace. Guami's setting vividly portrays the emotional turmoil and philosophical reflection inherent in Petrarch's poignant words.
