Fenice Fu by Jacobo da Bologna (1340?-1386)

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Description

Fenice fu is a beautiful madrigal by Jacobo da Bologna who worked in Florence from approx. 1340 - 1360.

Members of the Bremerton WestSound Symphony and Chorale
Carly Ann Worden, Soprano
LeeAnne Campos, Mezzo
Alan Futterman, Lute and Mandolin

Fenice fu' e vissi pura e morbida. e or sun trasmutata in una tortora che volo con amor per le bele ortora. Arbore secho mai n'aqua torbida no' me deleta may per questo dubito, va ne l'astate l'inverno viene subito.

Tal vissi et tal me vivo e posso scrivere ch'a dona non è più che honestà vivere.



Once I was a phoenix, my life was pure and tender; this hour I am transmuted into a turtledove who flies with love through the beautiful orchards.
I can never be pleased by a withered tree or muddied water. On account of these qualms: summer goes, and winter comes at once.

Thus I lived and thus I live, and I can write that nothing is better for a woman than an honest life.