This beautiful evocation of the dawn, scored for 8 voices is one of Andrea Gabrieli’s most effective madrigals.
Printed after Concerti di Andrea et di Giovanni Gabrieli, libro primo et secondo, (Venice, 1587).
Translation:
Behold the beautiful dawn, and the sun that brings back the day to us; wherefor I happily return to revisit her with whom I am in love. On her sweet face I feed so much that nowhere else do I have any peace. So I am happy to stay here where heart receives pleasure, And even if I am melting, and her living rays burn and consume me, so sweet is my suffering that I would rather see for ever those bright eyes.
