Jacopo da Bologna
The Italian ‘trecento’ is comparable to the ‘ars nova’ in France. . . each beginning in the first half of the 14th century and both taking advantage of new methods of music notation to produce some of the most rhythmically complex music the Planet has seen . . . including that of the 20th century serialists. Jacopo appears fairly early in the ‘trecento’ and is quite well represented in the sources with about 35 pieces . . . mostly 14th century madrigals. Born in Bologna he was active at various courts in Northern Italy especially Verona.
Giunge’l bel tempo
The ‘caccia-madrigal’ is a canon where a second voice sings the same music as the first voice but starting a bar or two later and throughout the piece tries to “caccia-up’. The rhythmic and melodic complexity of the ‘Trecento’ style is adequately dealt with by two ‘alpha-sopranos”.
It is to be found in ms. Panciatichiano 26, Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Florence
Jacopo da Bologna "Giunge'l bel tempo"
Giunge ‘l bel tempo de la primavera
che nov’erbette da, fior e viole;
cresce beato amor dov’esser vuole.
A’ dolci versi d’uselletti fuora
van donne pe’ ghirland’in compagnia.
seguendo lor amor drei tuttavia.
Ed ogni frutto del piacer germoglia.
Sol consiglio fan d’amar di voglia.
The lovely springtime has arrived
sprouting fresh grass, flowers and violets;
love burgeons to prosper wherever it wishes.
Outdoors, amid sweet birdsong.
a company of women sallies forth for garlands.
pursuing their loves just the same.
And every fruit of pleasure bursts in bud
because their sole counsel is to love willingly.
Translation © Giovanni Carsaniga