This edition was prepared by Allen Garvin — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Che giova posseder cittadi
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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Che giova posseder cittadi by Giaches de Wert — Lyrics
Che giova posseder cittadi e regni,
e palagi abitar d'alto lavoro,
e servi intorno aver d'imperio degni,
e le arche gravi per molto tesoro,
esser cantate da sublimi ingegni
di porpora vestir, mangiar in oro,
e di bellezza pareggiar il sole,
giacendo poi nel letto fredde e sole?
Ma che non giova aver fedeli amanti,
E con essi partir ogni pensiero,
I desir, le paure, i risi, i pianti,
E l’ira e la speranza, e ’l falso e ’l vero,
Ed hor con opre care, hor con sembianti
Il grave della vita far leggiero,
E se di rozze in atto, e ’n pensier vili,
Sovra l’uso mondan vaghe, e gentili.
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About Che giova posseder cittadi
This madrigal for SAAT voices, Che giova posseder cittadi, by Giaches de Wert, offers a profound reflection on the ephemeral nature of earthly possessions and status. The text contrasts the vanity of worldly power, wealth, and luxury with the true value of shared human connection and love. It questions the ultimate worth of owning cities and kingdoms, living in magnificent palaces, or being adorned in finery, if one faces the end of life alone and without genuine companionship. The composer masterfully sets this contemplative text, exploring the emotional weight of human experience and the search for meaning beyond material wealth.
