Helium Vola interpret medieval lyrics in Old High German, Middle High German, Latin, Provencal and Middle French language in a modern, electronic scape of sound. Thereby danceable songs like their last single "In Lichter Farbe Steht Der Wald" as well as pieces that are strongly based on samples (e.g. "Funerali" and "Iuvenes" on Helium Vola) are created.
Both albums published by Helium Vola are meant to be concept albums with a general theme. Helium Vola, with a mix of mostly medieval lyrics and news casts focuses on the shipwrecking of Russia nuclear submarine Kursk. The album Liod (Old High German: song) broaches the issue of a medieval woman's biography.
The projects main vocalist is Sabine Lutzenberger, though the project has utilised a number of guest singers and musicians.
Amor m'à posto
Helium Vola Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Francesco Petrarca
Amor m'ha posto come segno a strale,
come al sol neve, come cera al foco,
e come nebbia al vento e son già roco
donna, mercè chiamando, e voi non cale.
Dagli occhi vostri uscìo 'l colpo mortale
da voi sola procede, e parvi un gioco,
il sole e 'l foco e 'l vento ond'io son tale.
I pensier son saette, e 'l viso un sole,
e 'l desir foco; e 'nseme con quest'arme
mi punge Amor, m'abbaglia e mi distrugge;
e l'angelico canto e le parole
col dolce viso ond'io non posso aitarme,
son l'aura innanzi a cui mia vita fugge.
The lyrics of Helium Vola's song Amor m'à posto are adapted from a poem by Francesco Petrarcha, Canzoniere CXXXIII. The poem is about the overwhelming power of love and how it can make a person helpless in its grip. The singer in the poem likens the effect of love to various elements: a spear, snow melting in the sun, wax melting in fire, and mist dispersing in the wind. He is pleading with a woman who has captured his heart, asking for her mercy, but it seems she doesn't care about his suffering.
The poem captures the essence of courtly love, a tradition in medieval literature that idealized romantic love as a noble, heroic pursuit. Petrarcha was one of the most famous poets of the time, and his work inspired a whole generation of writers and artists. His sonnets and poems were circulated widely, and many composers set them to music. Helium Vola's version is a modern interpretation, using electronic and medieval instrumentation to create a haunting, atmospheric sound. The rhythm and melody of the lyrics evoke a sense of longing and desire, while the electronic beats and drones add a contemporary edge.
The song is a beautiful homage to medieval poetry and music, blending old and new styles to create something fresh and timeless. It's a testament to the enduring power of Petrarcha's verse and the emotional intensity of courtly love. The lyrics are a reminder that love can be both exhilarating and destructive, and that it's a force that can transcend time and place.
Line by Line Meaning
Amor m'ha posto come segno a strale,
Love has made me like a target for its arrow,
come al sol neve, come cera al foco,
like snow to the sun, like wax to fire,
e come nebbia al vento e son già roco
and like mist to the wind, I am already weak
donna, mercè chiamando, e voi non cale.
Calling for mercy, but you do not care.
Dagli occhi vostri uscìo 'l colpo mortale
The deadly shot came from your eyes.
contra cui non mi val tempo nè loco;
I cannot escape it, no matter where I go;
da voi sola procede, e parvi un gioco,
it comes only from you, and you think it's a joke,
il sole e 'l foco e 'l vento ond'io son tale.
the sun, the fire, and the wind that make me what I am.
I pensier son saette, e 'l viso un sole,
My thoughts are like arrows, and your face is like the sun,
e 'l desir foco; e 'nseme con quest'arme
My desire is like fire, and together with these weapons,
mi punge Amor, m'abbaglia e mi distrugge;
Love pierces me, blinds me, and destroys me.
e l'angelico canto e le parole
The angelic song and the words,
col dolce viso ond'io non posso aitarme,
with the sweet face that I cannot resist,
son l'aura innanzi a cui mia vita fugge.
are the breeze before which my life flees.
Contributed by Lucas Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.