T'amo, mia vita (Carlo Gesualdo)

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  • (Posted 2018-03-03)  CPDL #48968:         
Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2018-03-03).   Score information: Letter, 3 pages, 65 kB   Copyright: CPDL
Edition notes: Reformatting of #19327. Time signature standardised at 4/2 throughout.
  • (Posted 2011-10-08)  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.
  • (Posted 2009-04-23)  CPDL #19327:        (Sibelius 5)
Editor: Daniel Harmer (submitted 2009-04-23).   Score information: Letter, 4 pages, 42 kB   Copyright: CPDL
Edition notes:

General Information

Title: T'amo, mia vita
Composer: Carlo Gesualdo
Lyricist: Giovanni Battista Guarini

Number of voices: 5vv   Voicing: SSATB
Genre: SecularMadrigal

Language: Italian
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1609 in Teatro de madrigali (ed. Scipione Riccio), no. 2
    2nd published: 1611 in Madrigali a 5 voci, libro quinto, no. 21
Description: 

External websites:

Original text and translations

Italian.png Italian text

“T'amo, mia vita”, la mia cara vita
mi dice, e in questa sóla
dolcissima paròla
par che trasformi lietamente il còre
per farsene signóre.
O voce di dolcezza e di diletto,
prèndila tosto, Amóre,
stàmpala nel mio còre!
Spiri solo per te l'anima mia:
“T'amo, mia vita” la mia vita sia.

English.png English translation

“I love you, my life*”, my beloved
says to me,
and with these few sweet words
calmly she seems to change her mind,
making me master of her heart.
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)

Translation by Mick Swithinbank