Assetato d'Amor

Marco da Gagliano’s Assetato d’Amor is a five-part madrigal for SATTB voices. The music opens with an intense, chromatic sigh before unfolding into a rich, imitative texture. The text expresses the lament of Tirsi, consumed by a burning thirst for love. He begs for relief in tears and weeping, pouring forth bitter blood from his soul. Yet, his ardent desire is not quenched, leaving him a miserable corpse, consumed by his unfulfilled longing. The composer masterfully portrays this dramatic narrative through vivid word-painting and intricate vocal interplay, characteristic of the Italian madrigal tradition.