Amor mi fa morire

Ludovico Balbi's Amor mi fa morire opens with a striking declamation of the title, creating a sense of immediate drama. The SATTB choir is divided into two distinct choirs, their voices weaving in and out of each other to depict the conflicting emotions of love's torment and pleasure. The composer uses rich harmonies and dynamic contrasts to bring the text to life. The Italian lyrics speak of love that is both the cause of the singer's death and the very source of his life, a powerful paradox. This secular Renaissance part-music is highly effective, with the composer masterfully exploring the expressive possibilities of vocal polyphony.