El Grillo

Josquin des Prez (c. 1440-1521)

El grillo è buon cantore

The cricket is a good singer
Che tiene longo verso.

He can sing very long.
Dalle beve grillo canta.

He sings all the time.
Ma non fa come gli altri uccelli.

But he isn't like the other birds.
Come li han cantato un poco,

If they've sung a little bit
Van de fatto in altro loco

They go somewhere else
Sempre el grillo sta pur saldo.

The cricket always remains where he is.
Quando la maggior el caldo

When the heat is very fierce
Al'hor canta sol per amore.

Then he sings only for love.

 

 

 

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003 and Essentials - The Concert, October 2008.

This piece is also featured on Octarium's 2008 release, Essentials.