Io pur respiro in così gran dolore (Carlo Gesualdo)

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(Posted 2018-08-29) CPDL #51051:

Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2018-08-29). Score information: A4, 4 pages, 72 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Reformatting of #5029, with minor corrections to the underlay.

(Posted 2003-05-12) CPDL #05029:

Editor: Vincent Carpentier (submitted 2003-05-12). Score information: A4, 4 pages, 392 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: revised May 28, 2004.

General Information

Title: Io pur respiro in così gran dolore
Composer: Carlo Gesualdo

Number of voices: 5vv Voicing: SSATB
Genre: Secular, Madrigal

Language: Italian
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1611 in Madrigali a 5 voci, libro sesto, no. 10
Description:

External websites:

Facsimile: Partitvra delli sei libri de’ Madrigali a cinqve voci — Madrigals Books I – VI (Genoa: Giuseppe Pavoni, 1613) – large download, 70 MB, 492pp

Original text and translations

Italian text

Io pur respiro in così gran dolore
e tu pur vivi, o dispietato core?
Ahi, che non vi è più speme
di riveder il nostro amato bene!
Deh, morte, danne aìta,
uccidi questa vita!
Pietosa me ferisci,
a la vita dia fin ed al gran duolo.

English translation

I still breathe through such immense pain,
and you still live, o pitiless heart?
Alas! There is no more hope
to see again my beloved!
Then, death, bring me help,
kill this life off.
Wound me mercifully,
put an end to life and to this great suffering.

Translation by Campelli

German translation

Ich atme noch trotz des großen Schmerzes
und du lebst noch, oh grausames Herz?
Weh, daß keine Hoffnung mehr ist
unser teuer Geliebtes wieder zu sehen!
Ach, Tod, komm zur Hilfe,
töte dieses Leben!
Mitleidsvoll verwunde es
dem Leben gib ein Ende und dem großen Schmerz.