Vezzosi augelli

General information

Author: Torquato Tasso.

Settings by composers

• Giovanni Matteo Asola SATB
• Luca Marenzio SATB
• Simone Molinaro SST
• Pasquale Tristabocca SATB
• Giaches de Wert SSATB

Texts and Translations

Italian text Vezzosi augelli infra le verdi fronde Temprano a prova lascivette note Mormora l’aura, e fa le foglie e l’onde Garrir, che variamente ella percote Quando taccion gli augelli, alto risponde; Quando cantan gli augei, più lieve scote. Sia caso o d'arte, or accompagna, ed ora Alterna i versi lor la musica ora.

English translation The joyous birds hid under greenwood shade Sung merry notes on every branch and bough; The wind, that in the leaves and waters played, With murmurs sweet now sung, and whistled now. Ceased the birds, the winds loud answer made, And while they sang, it rumbled soft and low; Thus were it hap or cunning, chance or art The wind in this strange music bore its part. Translation by Edward Fairfax

German translation Die anmutigen Vögel im grünen Laub Halten sich zurück, ihren Gesang zu üben. Der Windhauch murmelt und läßt Blätter und Wellen Zwitschern, die er wechselnd durchweht. Wenn die Vögel schweigen, antwortet er laut, Wenn sie singen, raschelt er leiser. Sei es Zufall oder Kunst, bald begleitet er und bald Löst er mal ihre Verse, mal die Musik ab. Translation by Peter Rottländer