Candida era la rosa

Imagine a moonlit garden in spring, where the scent of roses fills the air. This secular Italian madrigal by Alessandro Striggio captures such a moment, weaving a delicate sonic picture. The text speaks of a rose, initially white, which is then tinged red by Venus, personifying love. The composer's SSATB setting embraces the imagery, with vocal lines intertwining like delicate petals. Striggio's masterful madrigal writing brings to life the beauty of the natural world and the passion of love, creating a richly coloured vocal soundscape perfect for an intimate concert setting.