And though my love abounding

John Wilbye’s madrigal And though my love abounding is a prime example of English Renaissance secular part-music for voices. Written for SSATB, this word painting vividly conveys the torments and delights of love. The composer uses the text to describe a lover who, though tormented by an abundant love, is content in that suffering as long as their beloved is near. Death itself holds no fear in the face of such devotion. Wilbye’s skill lies in his ability to set such emotional contrasts with both expressive harmony and melodic flow, making it a compelling choice for choirs seeking to explore the rich tradition of the English madrigal.