Tu sai che la cornacchia (Anonymous)

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• (Posted 2025-03-03)  CPDL #84057:       

Editor: Francesco Spiga (submitted 2025-03-03).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 245 kB   Copyright: CC BY NC ND

Edition notes: Original pith and note values with Mensurstrich layout. Arranged by Francesco Spiga (bass part reconstructed). Midi transposition down a fifth due to the low pitch used in 16th century Southern Italy.

General Information

Title: Tu sai che la cornacchia
Composer: Anonymous
Lyricist: Anonymous
Number of voices: 3vv   Voicing: STB
Genre: Secular, Folksong, Madrigal

Language: Neapolitan
Instruments: A cappella or Mixed ensemble

First published: 1537
Description: Form Canzoni villanesche alla napolitana, Napoli: Colonia, 1537. The bass part is missing.

Original text and translations

Neapolitan text 1 Tu sai che la cornacchia ha questa usanza Che quando canta sempre dice crai: «Crai crai». Tu perzi, così mi fai donna scortese, Che dài bone parole et triste attese. 2 Aucello che promette la speranza Et le promesse sue n'attende mai: «Crai crai» ut supra. 3 Tu sei, madonna, a quessa somiglianza, Sempre me dice aspecta ch'averai: «Crai crai» ut supra. 4 Sai come disse Pinta ad Cramosina: Megli'hoggi l'ovo che crai la galina. «Crai crai» ut supra.

English translation 1 You know that the carrion crow has this habit: it always says, while singing, crai: «Crai crai». (1) You pierce me, you do me the same, you rude woman, giving me hopeful words and unhappy expectations. 2 Like that bird that promises hope and never honours its promises: «Crai crai» etc. 3 You have, milady, this likeness, for you always tell me: «Wait, and you will have». «Crai crai» etc. 4 You know what Pinta said to Cramosina: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. (2) «Crai crai» etc. Translation by Francesco Spiga (1) In Neapolitan crai means tomorrow (cfr. Latin cras). (2) Literally: Better an egg today than a chicken tomorrow.