A questo la mestissima Isabella

Jacquet de Berchem's A questo la mestissima Isabella is a secular Italian madrigal for SATB voices. The text depicts Isabella, overcome with sorrow, her face tearful, kissing Zerbin. Her languid expression is compared to a rose that has not been picked in its season and has begun to fade on its shady bush. With a final, tender farewell, she implores Zerbin not to undertake his last venture without her. The composer vividly portrays the tender intimacy and profound sadness of this poignant moment through the rich textures and expressive harmonies characteristic of the madrigal genre. The interplay between the voices captures the emotional depth of Isabella's lament and her heartfelt plea.