A la morte de sorzi

Teodoro Riccio’s A la morte de sorzi is a secular Italian Canzona for SATTB voices. Dating from the late 16th or early 17th century, this genre of part-music is known for its lively, often imitative vocal writing. The text humorously describes the death of mice, which is so dire it could kill birds, wolves, and dogs. It goes on to blame the listeners, suggesting they are ‘Cerretani’ – a term for fools or simpletons – who have brought this misfortune upon themselves by their own actions. A madrigal of this nature, with its witty text, would suit a concert programme looking for engaging and characterful Renaissance repertoire.