Aprile/April

Aprile/April was commissioned by historian Kathryn Reyerson to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Center for Medieval Studies at the University of Minnesota. It was premiered by the Dale Warland Singers on May 2, 1998, at Ted Mann Concert Hall in Minneapolis, MN.

Sonetti Dei Mesi – Aprile

DʼApril vi dono la gentil campagna,
Tutto fiorita de bellʼ erba fresca;
Fontane dʼacqua che non vi rincresca;
Donne e donzelle per vostra compagna:
Ambianti palafren, destrier di Spagna,
E gente costumata a la Francesca,
Cantar, danzar a la provenzalesca
Con istormenti novi della Magna.
E dintorno vi sian molti giardini,
E giachita vi sia ogni persona:
Ciascun con reverenza adori e ʻnchini
A quell gentil, chʼho dato la corona
Di pietre preziose, le più fini
Chʼ a ʻl Presto Gianni o ʻl re di Babilona.

Folgore da San Gimignano (1250? – 1317?)

*****

I give you meadow-lands in April, fair
With over-growth of beautiful green grass;
There among fountains the glad hours shall pass,
And pleasant ladies bring you solace there.
With steeds of Spain and ambling palfreys rare;
Provençal songs and dance that surpass;
And quaint French mummings; and through hollow brass
A sound of German music on the air.
And gardens ye shall have, that every one
May lie at ease about the fragrant place;
And each with fitting reverence shall bow down
Unto that youth to whom I gave a crown
Of precious jewels like to those that grace
The Babylonian Kaiser, Prester John.

translation by D. G. Rossetti