Solo e Pensoso- Luca Morenzio

I first heard this piece in class and loved it even though it was given as an example of a mannered style because of the chromatic ism and word painting that was so prevalent at the end of the Renaissance.  I was able to find several recordings of this piece and also find the English translation.

Alone and deep in thought
I measure with slow and lingering steps
the deserted fields,
ready to flee if my eyes discern
a human footprint in the sand.

No other defense have I,
that will save me from
the knowing glances of mankind,
for in my looks, bereft of joy,
one may read outwardly
how I burn within.

So that now I think
only the mountains and the hillsides,
the streams and forests,
know the temper of my life,
that which is hidden from all men.

Yet no path is so harsh, so savage,
that Love cannot find a way to join me,
and to speak to me,
and for me to respond.

This is a beautiful poem, written by the famous poem Petrarch.  I believe that  Morenzo did a wonderful job setting it to music and conveying the emotions.  I loved the chromatic scale that ascended at the beginning and then descended.  This is a great representation of the beginning of the text which says "Alone and deep in thought
I measure with slow and lingering steps". (word painting)


I thought that not only did it represent the text, but it also sounded beautiful and interesting.  I love the mixture of the the women's voice with the men's.  After listening to so much vocal music that has only men's voices, this is quite refreshing.  

I think i also picked up on more word painting in the paragraph that mentioned mountains, hills, streams, and forests because the melody line ascended and descended.  

Overall i thought this was a beautiful poem set to beautiful music that was quite effective at expressing the emotion.  i enjoyed it very much.