This edition was prepared by Willem Verkaik — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Chi v'insegna d'uccidere
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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Chi v'insegna d'uccidere by Giovanni Francesco Anerio — Lyrics
Chi v'insegna d'uccidere,
E lieti poi sorridere,
Sovra la morte altrui,
Occhi sempre acerbissimi,
Occhi sempre dolcissimi,
Ond'io son servo e fui?
Se l'alme, che v'honorano,
E se i cor, che v'adorano,
Han per voi da morire;
Occhi paventerannovi,
Et à nome dirannovi,
Le stelle dal martire.
Ma purche non s'adirino.
A morte ogn'hor mi tirino,
I vostri lampi ardenti,
Che'l morir non annoiami,
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About Chi v'insegna d'uccidere
This charming Italian madrigal by Giovanni Francesco Anerio, for SSB voices, explores the paradox of beauty that brings both pleasure and pain. The text questions how eyes can teach one to kill yet smile upon another's death, reflecting a lover's torment. The speaker finds a peculiar joy in this suffering, declaring that even if their souls and hearts die for the beloved, they would rather face death from these radiant eyes than any other fate. It's a secular Renaissance part-song, ideal for a programme exploring the complexities of love and desire, or as a contrast to more devotional works. The interplay between intense emotion and exquisite musical setting makes it a compelling choice.
