Amarilli, mia bella
(Antiche Version)
Music: Giulio Caccini (1545-1618)
Words: Possibly Giovanni or Alessandro Guarini
“Amarilli, mia bella is the best-known example from the celebrated collection Le Nuove Musiche (1602), the earliest surviving collection of solo songs in the new Florentine monodic style. Caccini titled it a madrigale, a through composed piece with uneven phrase lengths. Caccini’s preface to this group of songs sets forth the tenets of the new style, including the ornamentation (gorgia) used in its performance. Amarilli, mia bella has an expressive vocal line; each repetition of the beloved’s name is set with varying ornamentation. Its form is ABCBC/codetta. It must be numbered as one of the great early art songs.”
**Excerpt from Song, a guide to Art Song style and Literature by Carol Kimball**
Giulio Caccini worked in Florence in the Medici court. He was also a member of the Camerata of Giovanni de’ Bardi, an influential group of thinkers. Caccini was instrumental in the birth of opera itself. His writings and music helped codify and set the foundation for vocal music composition and ornamentation.
Key of A Minor
Range: Octave plus whole step - E up to F#
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Sample MP3, Piano & Melody, A Minor
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Sample MP3, Piano Only, A Minor
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A Minor Sheet Music Sample |
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Key of G Minor
Range: Octave plus whole step - D up to E
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Sample MP3, Piano & Melody, G Minor
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Sample MP3, Piano Only, G Minor
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G Minor Sheet Music Sample |
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Key of F Minor
Range: Octave plus whole step - C up to D
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Sample MP3, Piano & Melody, F Minor
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Sample MP3, Piano Only, F Minor
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F Minor Sheet Music Sample |
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