This edition was prepared by Allen Garvin — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Chiare fresche et dolci acque
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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Chiare fresche et dolci acque by Jacques Arcadelt — Lyrics
Chiare, fresche et dolci acque,
ove le belle membra
pose colei che sola a me par donna;
gentil ramo ove piacque
(con sospir' mi rimembra)
a lei di fare al bel fiancho colonna;
herba et fior' che la gonna
leggiadra ricoverse
co l'angelico seno;
aere sacro, sereno,
ove Amor co' begli occhi il cor m'aperse:
date udïenza insieme
a le dolenti mie parole extreme.
S'egli è pur mio destino
e 'l cielo in ciò s'adopra,
ch'Amor quest'occhi lagrimando chiuda,
qualche gratia il meschino
corpo fra voi ricopra,
et torni l'alma al proprio albergo ignuda.
La morte fia men cruda
se questa spene porto
a quel dubbioso passo:
ché lo spirito lasso
non poria mai in piú riposato porto
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About Chiare fresche et dolci acque
Jacques Arcadelt's Chiare, fresche et dolci acque paints a pastoral scene of flowing water, gentle branches and soft grass, where the poet imagines his beloved resting. The text expresses a profound longing and devotion, with the poet asking the natural elements to bear witness to his words. He contemplates his destiny, wishing that upon his death his body might be covered by this peaceful landscape, returning his soul to its origin. The music, set for SATTB voices, captures the lyricism and emotional depth of Petrarch's poetry, a hallmark of the secular Italian madrigal tradition. The rich vocal texture allows for expressive harmonic colours and poignant melodic lines, reflecting the poet's mingled joy and sorrow.
