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Music files
(Posted 2021-10-03) CPDL #66039 :
Editor: Peter Rottländer (submitted 2021-10-03 ) . Score information: A4, 2 pages, 123 kB Copyright: CPDL
Edition notes: Original key. Version 1.1 - First part repeated, text underlay for all verses.
(Posted 2021-10-03) CPDL #66038 :
Editor: Peter Rottländer (submitted 2021-10-03 ) . Score information: A4, 2 pages, 123 kB Copyright: CPDL
Edition notes: Transposed one octave down for male voices. Version 1.1 - First part repeated, text underlay for all verses.
(Posted 2003-04-22) CPDL #04809 :
Editor: Tobias Schoelkopf (submitted 2003-04-22 ) . Score information: A4, 2 pages, 37 kB Copyright: Personal
Edition notes: Canzonette Nr. 3.
General Information
Title: La fiera vista
Composer: Claudio Monteverdi
Number of voices: 3vv Voicing: SSA
Genre: Secular , Madrigal
Language: Italian
Instruments: A cappella
First published: 1584 in Canzonette a tre voci , no. 3
Description:
External websites:
Original text and translations
Italian text
La fiera vista e’l velenoso sguardo
del Basilisco a l’huom toglie la vita
et voi con gl’occhi per virtù d’amore
a chi vi mira li togliete il core.
L’Aspide pien di morte e di veleno
chiude l’orecchio all’efficace incanto,
e voi Aspe crudel con voglia ria
vi fate sorda all’aspra pena mia.
Con dolcissimo canto le Sirene
a naviganti fan sentir la morte,
e voi con gli occhi per virtù d’Amore
a chi vi mira Ii togliete il core.
Tal che privo di speme in questa vita
vivrò sempre amando e lagrimando,
ch’Amor per far eterna la mia pena
v’ha Basilisco fatta Aspe e Sirena.
English translation
The basilisk’s cruel eyes and poisoned glance
take a man’s life away,
and you, with eyes powered by love,
steal the heart of anyone who looks at you.
The asp, full of deadly venom,
shuts its ears to pleas for mercy,
and you, cruel asp with cruel intent,
make yourself deaf to my bitter grief.
The sirens, with the sweetest of songs,
lure sailors to their death,
and you, with eyes powered by love,
steal the heart of anyone who looks at you.
So, drained of hope in this life,
I will go on living, loving and weeping.
Love, making me suffer endlessly,
made you a basilisk, an asp, a siren.
Translation by Nicholas Jones