Composer

:

Jacopo da Bologna

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Publication Date

:

1954

Average_duration

:

4:57

"Nel bel giardino che l'Adice cinge" is a madrigal composed by Jacopo da Bologna, an Italian composer and poet of the late 14th century. The piece was likely composed in the 1370s or 1380s, during the Ars Nova period of music. The madrigal is written for four voices, with the text describing a beautiful garden surrounded by the Adige River. The piece is in the form of a ballata, with a refrain that repeats throughout the piece. The text is in Italian, which was a relatively new language for musical composition at the time. The piece is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and harmonies, which were typical of the Ars Nova style. The voices often sing in imitation of each other, creating a rich and intricate texture. The melody is also highly ornamented, with frequent use of trills and other embellishments. The premiere of "Nel bel giardino che l'Adice cinge" is not known, but it was likely performed in the courts of northern Italy, where Jacopo da Bologna was active as a musician and poet. The piece was likely performed by a small ensemble of singers, accompanied by instruments such as lutes or viols. The madrigal is divided into three movements, each with its own text and musical character. The first movement describes the beauty of the garden and the river that surrounds it, with the refrain "O dolcezz'amarissime d'amore" (Oh bitter sweetness of love) expressing the pain and pleasure of love. The second movement is more introspective, with the text describing the speaker's longing for his beloved. The refrain in this section is "Oimè, lasso, perché mi fugge" (Alas, why does she flee from me). The final movement is more joyful, with the text describing the speaker's happiness at being reunited with his beloved. The refrain in this section is "O gioia che si sente" (Oh joy that is felt). Overall, "Nel bel giardino che l'Adice cinge" is a beautiful example of the Ars Nova style of music, with its complex rhythms, harmonies, and ornamentation. The piece is a testament to the skill and creativity of Jacopo da Bologna, who was one of the most important composers of his time.

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