Ah sweet, alas! when first I saw

George Kirbye’s Ah sweet, alas! when first I saw is a fine example of English madrigal writing for SSATB. The music immediately captures the drama of the text, with interwoven vocal lines creating a rich, contrapuntal texture. The composer skilfully depicts the lover’s inner turmoil, as the pain of seeing the beloved’s beautiful eyes leads to an overwhelming flood of tears that wound him from within. Kirbye’s sensitive setting explores the exquisite agony of unrequited love, with moments of both pathos and passion, making it a rewarding challenge for any accomplished choir.