A che piu strali

A popular secular madrigal from the late Renaissance, Cornelius Verdonck’s A che più strali is a sophisticated four-part setting for SATB choir. The Italian text, which laments love’s continued assault even when the singer surrenders, speaks of a lover’s desperate plea to be allowed to live, even if imprisoned by love. Verdonck’s music vividly captures the emotional turmoil of the text, with intricate vocal lines and expressive harmonies characteristic of the genre. This piece would be well-suited for a concert programme, showcasing the ensemble’s ability to interpret complex Renaissance polyphony and deliver dramatic Italian texts with passion and clarity.