O s'io potessi donna (1561) (Jacquet de Berchem)

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• (Posted 2025-12-16)  CPDL #87795: 

• Original key (high chiavette):        

• Transposed down a fourth:      

Editor: Pothárn Imre (submitted 2025-12-16).   Score information: A4, 4 pages, 93 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Transcribed from 1561 print. Original note values. Italian spelling modernised.

General Information

Title: O s'io potessi donna (1561)
Composer: Jacquet de Berchem
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Secular, Madrigal

Language: Italian
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1561 in Primo secondo et terzo libro del capriccio, no. 94
Description: This is the last madrigal in the 1561 collection, the lyrics is not from Orlando furioso. This madrigal bears the inscription A requisitione d'uno Amico., i.e. at the request of a friend.

Original text and translations

Italian text O s'io potessi donna Dir quel che nel mirai voi prov'e Sento invidioso farei chiunch'e contento Splende nel vostro viso'un vivo sole E da begl'occhi piove Foco d'amor che m'ard'e strugge'l core E da gl'accesi labri un fiato move Di si grate parole che piu l'accende E fa dolce l'ardore O che felice'amore Via piu d'ogn'altro'il mio di foco'e vento Beato viv'a rimirar v'intento. English text Oh, if only I could, my lady, Tell what I feel and prove when I gaze upon you, I would make envious whoever is content. A living sun shines in your face, And from your beautiful eyes, it rains A fire of love that burns and consumes my heart, And from your enflamed lips, a breath moves Of such sweet words that it fuels the fire, And makes the burning sweet. Oh, what a happy love, Far more than any other, mine is of fire and wind, Blessed to live, I intend to gaze upon you.