A che affliggi el tuo servo

Bartolomeo Tromboncino's A che affliggi el tuo servo is a secular Italian madrigal for ATBB voices. It dates from the height of the Italian Renaissance, a period celebrated for its sophisticated part-music. The text expresses the singer's plea to a beloved, asking why they are afflicted and declaring themselves unworthy. Yet, the singer hopes their devotion might still be accepted. The lyrics also offer a moral reflection: love those who love you, rather than those who possess wealth, for true faith is rarer than riches. This work would suit a consort of voices seeking to explore the expressive qualities of Renaissance secular song.