Udite, Chiara Et Generosi Figli

Giovanni Gabrieli

This is an example of a ‘dialogue’ madrigal. The sixteen parts are split into one group of nine voices and one group of seven, with some parts being taken by brass alone. The upper choir has a lone solo cornett as its uppermost part, and the second choir has a basso continuo part to support the entire texture. The text is full of mythological and nautical references which would have been familiar to the educated Venetians of the day. The upper choir takes on the role of Triton, bidding the citizens of the Adriatic to take note of Poseidon, King of the Ocean. (Triton, who was part human – phritritepart fish, was the son of Poseidon who lived in a golden palace on the sea-bed.)  The second choir takes on the role of Sirens, or sea nymphs, who had the power of charming all who heard them with their beautiful singing. This madrigal is a marvellous large-scale composition, full of word painting, and dramatic musical moments, culminating in a sixteen-part chorus which demands the Venetians be bold and proud.   

Udite chiari e generosi figli
D’Adria felice, il re del salso regno,
Ch’ama ’l vostro valor, noto nel onde
Doppio ne brama et honorato segno
Fra guerrie perigli
Ch’in terr’ ancor desio di gloria asconde.
Quinc il destrier, fattura sua gradita,
ad adoprare a maneggiar v’invita.
E la bella Amfitrite
De la Ninfe leggiadre di questo Marche
le Sirene unite a le Nerei di Squadre
Vincon di gratie e di dolcezze elette
a voi l’amor et il favor promette.
Su dunque, ardita altera,
Nobilissima schiera,
Faccia vostra virtute al mondo fede
Ch’il secol prisco a questo secol cede.

Listen fair and generous sons
Of happy Adria, the king of the briny kingdom,
Who loves your valour, reputed through the waves,
Longs for this courage to be repeated
And yearns for an honoured sign amidst the perils of war
that on Earth there is still a hidden desire for glory.
Thus he invites you to mount the welcome steeds,
which he created, and ride forth.
And the beautiful Amphitrite promises you
the love and favour of the fair sea nymphs
whose graces and sweetness
far exceed those bands of
Sirens and Nereids gathered together.
Forward then, bold, proud,
Most noble host,
Have confidence in your virtues and show the world
That ancient times yield to the present.

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