Argo mirar potea

A dramatic declaration of unrequited love, this Italian madrigal paints a vivid picture of longing. The text contrasts the mythical hundred-eyed giant Argo, capable of seeing the sun and stars, with the poet's own two eyes which cannot perceive the beauty of his beloved. He yearns to become a 'new Argo,' possessing a hundred lights himself, so he might fully gaze upon his 'living sun.' Scipione Dentice's setting for SATTB voices captures this intense emotion with rich polyphony, making it a compelling choice for a secular program. It would sit well alongside other Renaissance part-music exploring themes of devotion and desire.