Al suon di corna musa

Felice Anerio was a significant composer of the late Italian Renaissance, working in Rome. He was a master of polyphony, and this secular madrigal, Al suon di corna musa, showcases his skill in setting Italian verse. Scored for two sopranos and tenor (SST), the music captures the joyful spirit of the text, which speaks of garlanded shepherdesses dancing and spurning earthly riches. The text evokes a pastoral scene, full of movement and lighthearted celebration. Anerio’s treatment of the words is refined, with clear declamation and elegant melodic lines, typical of the high-Renaissance madrigal tradition. It is a charming example of the genre, suitable for ensembles looking for a bright, engaging Italian work.