Ardo in un tempo e aggiaccio

Jan Tollius's Ardo in un tempo e aggiaccio is a secular madrigal for SSSATB voices, sung in Italian. It paints a vivid picture of internal conflict, with the singer caught between burning passion and icy despair as they gaze upon their beloved. The text describes the beloved's 'flashing eyes' and 'cold breast,' which paradoxically cause the singer to burn and freeze simultaneously. This intense emotional state is a metaphor for the torment of unrequited or difficult love, where the very object of affection is the source of both ecstasy and agony. The composer captures this duality through rich harmonies and contrapuntal interplay, making it a compelling choice for a contemplative moment, perhaps in a private salon or a reflective concert setting.