Accingetevi Amanti (Orazio Vecchi)
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CPDL #19953:
MusiXTex
- Editor: Christian Mondrup (submitted 2009-08-09). Score information: Letter, 91 pages Copyright: Other
- Edition notes:
General Information
Title: Accingetevi Amanti
Composer: Orazio Vecchi
Number of voices: 10vv Voicing: SATT.SSATTB
Genre: Secular, Madrigal
Language: Italian
Instruments: a cappella
Published: 1590
Description: for double choir, first published in Selva di Varia Ricreatione (Venezia 1590)
External websites:
Original text and translations
Text (or link to a text page) needs to be added.
English translation
by Mick Swithinbank
Part One
Gird yourselves, lovers, for the noble venture
and be ready to defend yourselves.
See how wicked Contempt sets his face against Love
and has chosen as his companions Jealousy, Torment,
Betrayal, Disdain and Cruelty.
Behold, lean Envy unfurls his banner,
hear the warlike sounds approach:
to arms, saddle up, to horse!
Come, faithful foot-soldiers,
the enemy is nigh.
Saddle up, to horse, to arms!
The heavens are already resounding:
see how the field is overrun by
the infatuated hosts of proud Cupid
and from all around come shouts
and the noise of nakers, drums and clamorous bugles.
Come soldiers, be on your mettle,
for victory is certain.
Fa-ri-ra-ri-ra-ron-fa-fan-fai-ne.
Part Two
From the other side comes Contempt, dressed in red robes,
with his companions going before him;
see how Hope and Boldness appear,
the faithful followers of the Archer;
see Love come armed,
with Idleness and Lust by his side;
fan-fa-ri-ra-ron-fan.
Who gave you those lovely eyes which so delight me,
you charmer?
I stole them from that deceiver who is called 'love'.
Everyone gather round the standards
and don't delay,
because the enemy is approaching in force.
Love brandishes the torch,
dispersing the despicable mob
and, wounded by arrows, many of them
are bound with the golden chain.
Pride runs, roaring,
killing, inflicting blows, striking men down,
laying about him and pressing forward.
Part Three
See the mistress of the battleground, Clelia,
who adorns her curls with golden lilies
and whose eyes dazzle all
from India to the Moorish lands.
Her eyebrows are her bow,
seductive looks her sharp arrows,
and with great skill she shoots
and strikes love's enemies.
Glances and alluring smiles,
playful acts,
sweet words and kisses,
great pleasures,
are piercing weapons to the enemy host.
Cares and laments,
sighs and sad words,
ice and fire,
torment and feigned glances
are sharp arrows to Love's soldiers.
Part Four
Meanwhile Courage undaunted cries:
'Fall upon them,
on, on, brave lovers;
close ranks,
everyone join battle
and attack the enemy;
retaliate and kill them.'
Tif taf tof tifere tafere tofere.
Contempt is heard to say:
'I surrender to the rightful victor.'
And already all his standards are cast down.
Fa-ri-ra-ri-ra-ron-fa.
The day is won,
fa-ri-ra-ri-ra-ron-fa.
See how Love has secured the victory,
behold the illustrious lovers.
Long live the Farnese and Pio families.