This edition was prepared by Leonardo Lollini — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Donna gentil
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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Donna gentil by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina — Lyrics
Donna gentil, quando tal'hor degnate
Lieta venir tra l'altre donne belle,
Sembrate il sol tra le minori stelle.
Altra gratia da voi lasso non voglio,
Se non che, quando spinto dal desio
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About Donna gentil
Palestrina's setting of Donna gentil is a five-part madrigal for SATB choir. The music opens with a rich, imitative texture that evokes the elegance of the lady described in the text. The composer masterfully captures the poem's sentiment of humble devotion, as the speaker beseeches his lady to show pity and grace. The interplay between the voices is intimate and refined, reflecting the courtly love theme of the Italian text. Palestrina's characteristic clarity and balance are evident throughout, making this a beautiful example of secular Renaissance part-music.
