Caro mio ben

Even today, "Caro mio ben", a song from the 1700's, is still widely popular. Formerly attributed to Tommaso Giordani, it is now thought to be more likely written by his brother, Giuseppe Giordani.[2]

Caro mio ben
by attributed to Giuseppe Giordani
Cover of "Caro mio ben"
Cover of "Caro mio ben"[1]
Full titleCaro mio ben
Librettouncertain
Publishedbefore or around c.1785

It appears on the following album:

Year Album With
2021 À sa guitare (Album) Thibaut Garcia

It is part of the following concert program:

Year Concert program With
20212022 À sa guitare (Concert program) Thibaut Garcia

Libretto

Caro mio ben
(Oh gentle Maid)

Giuseppe Giordani (music),  uncertain (words)


Modern Italian

Caro mio ben
credimi almen
Senza di te'
languisce il cor

Caro mio ben
Senza di te'
languisce il cor

Il tuo fedel
sospira ogn'or
Cessa crudel tanto rigor

Caro mio ben
credimi almen
Senza di te'
languisce il cor
[1][3]

My dearest,
At least believe me,
Without you
My heart grows weak.

My dearest,
Without you
My heart grows weak.

Your faithful one
Sighs every hour
Cease your cruel ordeal

My dearest,
At least believe me,
Without you
My heart grows weak.[4]

Non-literal Historic Translation

O gentle Maid
hear now my sighs
For thee my Heart
in secret dies

Hear now my sighs
for thee my heart
in secret dies

Grace with thy smile
those lips divine
Peace join't with bliss must soon be mine

O gentle Maid
hear now my sighs
For thee my Heart
in secret dies

From: Caro mio ben, A Celebrated Song
Sung by Sigr. Pacchierotti with Universal Applause
at the Concert, for the Musical Fund, at the Opera
House; Composed by Sigr. Giordani, ca. 1785[1][3]

Manuscripts and sheet music

 
Incipit of "Caro mio ben" [1]
  • British Library

Caro mio ben, A Celebrated Song Sung by Sigr. Pacchierotti, with Universal Applause at the Concert for the Musical Fund, at the Opera House, Composed by Sigr. Giordani. London: J. Preston, c.1785.

  • Alternative link: IMSLP:

Caro mio ben, A Celebrated Song Sung by Sigr. Pacchierotti, with Universal Applause at the Concert for the Musical Fund, at the Opera House, Composed by Sigr. Giordani. London: J. Preston, c.1785.

References