Composer

:

Adrian Willaert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Canzona

Publication Date

:

1545

Average_duration

:

3:55

'A quand' a quand'aveva una vicina' is a madrigal composed by Adrian Willaert, a Flemish composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the early 16th century and premiered in Venice, Italy, where Willaert was the maestro di cappella at the Basilica di San Marco. The madrigal is written for four voices, typically two sopranos, a tenor, and a bass. It is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is lively and playful, with a quick tempo and intricate vocal lines that weave in and out of each other. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, with a more somber tone and a focus on the lower voices. The final movement returns to the lively and playful character of the first, with a faster tempo and more complex vocal interplay. The text of the madrigal is in Italian and tells the story of a neighbor who is constantly asking for things from the narrator. The title, 'A quand' a quand'aveva una vicina', roughly translates to 'When, oh when, did I have a neighbor?' and reflects the narrator's exasperation with the constant demands of the neighbor. The text is set to music with a great deal of word painting, with the vocal lines mimicking the actions and emotions described in the text. Overall, 'A quand' a quand'aveva una vicina' is a prime example of the madrigal form, which was popular in the Renaissance era. It showcases Willaert's skill as a composer and his ability to create complex vocal textures and intricate harmonies. The piece remains a beloved part of the Renaissance choral repertoire and is frequently performed by choirs around the world.

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