Amor, deh, dimmi

This delightful madrigal for SSAAB voices opens with an intricate interplay of melodic lines, creating a rich and engaging texture. Giovanni Maria Nanino crafts a sophisticated musical setting for this Italian secular text, characteristic of Renaissance part-music. The music explores the emotional dilemma presented by the lyrics, which question Love itself about the beloved's pride and coldness. The singer pleads with Love to explain how such qualities can reside within someone whose face and name suggest angelic purity. The composer responds with music that is both expressive and technically demanding, reflecting the complex sentiments of the text. It is a fine example of the genre, offering a rewarding challenge for an accomplished choir.