Che debbo far, poi ch’io son giunto tardi

Jacquet de Berchem's Che debbo far, poi ch’io son giunto tardi is a secular Italian madrigal for four voices (SATB). The music opens with a sense of immediate activity, with imitation and contrapuntal lines weaving together. The text expresses a feeling of regret and missed opportunity, as the speaker arrives too late to claim a prize that others have already secured. Despite the disappointment, the speaker questions why they should continue to afflict their heart, suggesting a resilient spirit in the face of unfulfilled desire. The interplay of the vocal lines mirrors the emotional journey from frustration to a thoughtful contemplation of acceptance.