T'amo, mia vita (Carlo Gesualdo)

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CPDL #23801:  

Editor: Adam Steele (submitted 2011-06-27).   Score information: Letter, 5 pages, 64 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Includes intralinear translation and editorial suggestions for solo/tutti sections.

• CPDL #19327:  [ Sibelius 5]

Editor: Daniel Harmer (submitted 2009-04-23).   Score information: Letter, 4 pages, 42 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Sibelius file is zipped.

General Information

Title: T'amo, mia vita
Composer: Carlo Gesualdo

Number of voices: 5vv   Voicing: SSATB

Genre: Secular, Madrigal

Language: Italian
Instruments: a cappella
Published: 1613

Description: Book 5 Madrigals, No. 21

External websites:

• Facsimile: Partitvra delli sei libri de’ Madrigali a cinqve voci — Madrigals Books I – VI (Genoa: Giuseppe Pavoni, 1613) – large download, 70 MB, 492pp

Original text and translations

Italian text

'T'amo, mia vita' la mia cara vita
Mi dice e in questa sola
Dolcissima parola
Par che trasformi lietamente il core
Per farsene signore,
O voce di dolcezza e di diletto,
Prendila tosto, Amore,
Stampala nel mio core!
Spiri solo per te l'anima mia:
'T'amo mia vita' la mia vita sia.

English translation by Mick Swithinbank

"I love you, my life*" is what my beloved
Says to me, and in these few sweet words
It seems as if the god of love fills my heart with joy,
Taking control of it.
Such sweet, delightful words:
Cupid, take them and imprint them on my heart.
May I live and breathe only for you;
Let "I love you, my life"
Be my life.
(* i.e. my sweetheart)