Ben sei felice Auttuno

Ippolito Baccusi’s Ben sei felice Auttuno is a joyful celebration of autumn, setting an Italian secular text. The music opens with a sense of light, dance-like motion, with the SSATB voices engaging in imitative entries and homophonic declamation. The composer captures the spirit of the text which praises autumn for bestowing the 'good liquor of Jove' – wine – that invigorates the heart and brings happiness. The texture shifts to highlight the lyrical quality of the writing, with moments of rich sonority and bright, vivacious passages. This madrigal offers a delightful opportunity for singers to explore dynamic contrast and expressive phrasing, portraying the bounty and pleasure of the season.