Composer

:

Jacques Arcadelt

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1538

Publication Date

:

1538

Average_duration

:

2:23

Ahime, dov'è'l bel viso, S. 2/1 is a madrigal composed by Jacques Arcadelt, a prominent composer of the Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the mid-16th century and was first published in 1539 in Venice. It is a part of a collection of madrigals called Il primo libro di madrigali, which was one of the most popular collections of madrigals during the Renaissance. The piece is written for four voices, and it is characterized by its expressive and melancholic melody. The text of the madrigal is a lament of a lover who is searching for his beloved, but cannot find her. The opening line, "Ahime, dov'è'l bel viso che m'innamora?" (Alas, where is the beautiful face that makes me fall in love?), sets the tone for the entire piece. The madrigal is divided into three sections or movements. The first movement is in a homophonic style, with all four voices singing together in harmony. The second movement is more complex, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a polyphonic style. The third movement returns to the homophonic style of the first movement, with all four voices singing together in harmony once again. One of the most notable characteristics of the piece is its use of word painting. The music reflects the meaning of the text, with the melody rising and falling to reflect the emotions of the lover. For example, the line "E'l cor mi trema" (And my heart trembles) is set to a trembling melody that reflects the lover's fear and anxiety. Overall, Ahime, dov'è'l bel viso, S. 2/1 is a beautiful and expressive madrigal that showcases Arcadelt's skill as a composer. Its popularity during the Renaissance and its continued popularity today are a testament to its enduring beauty and emotional power.

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