Bastava il chiaro viso (Giovanni Maria Nanino)

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(Posted 2025-01-07) CPDL #83313:

Editor: Gerhard Weydt (submitted 2025-01-07). Score information: A4, 4 pages, 111 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Transposed down a minor third for SSATB or SSTTB because of the chiavette used.

(Posted 2025-01-07) CPDL #83312:

Editor: Gerhard Weydt (submitted 2025-01-07). Score information: A4, 4 pages, 111 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Original pitch.

General Information

Title: Bastava il chiaro viso
Composer: Giovanni Maria Nanino
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 5vv Voicing: SSATB
Genre: Secular, Madrigal

Language: Italian
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1583 in Li amorosi ardori, no. 13
2nd published: 1586 in Madrigali a cinque voci, libro terzo, no. 16
Description:

External websites:

Original text and translations

Italian text

Bastava il chiaro viso
E la candida mano
Per far ch’amor mai non tirass’in vano,
Senza mostrar il seno,
D’ogni amoroso ben più d’altro pieno,
Di cui quanto traspar sotto il bel velo,
Innamora di se la terr’e’l cielo.

German translation

Es genügte das schöne Antlitz
und die weiße Hand,
damit Amor nicht umsonst zielte,
ohne den Busen zu zeigen,
der vor allem anderen voller Liebreiz ist,
von dem so viel unter dem schönen Schleier durchscheint,
sie macht verliebt in sich Erde und Himmel.

Translation by Gerhard Weydt

English translation

Sufficient were the bright face
and the white hand
that Amor didn’t aim in vain,
even without showing the bosom,
that above all is full of loveliness,
of which so much shines through the pretty veil,
she enamours earth and heaven.