Alla guerra d'Amore

This is an SS secular aria in Italian by Sigismondo d'India. Sung during the season of delight and at the gathering of beautiful ladies, the text describes a playful, yet intense, war of love. It speaks of the sweet pain of love, where kisses are both the cause of life and the reason for death. In this war, assaults and skirmishes are peace, and both the victor and the vanquished share equal triumph. D'India’s setting captures the spirit of the text with a melodic line suitable for two voices, perhaps accompanied by a continuo instrument, making it an attractive programme addition for a small ensemble.