Chi vuol veder Amore

Imagine a festive occasion in a Renaissance court, where light-hearted entertainment is sought. Benedetto Pallavicino’s Chi vuol veder Amore, a secular madrigal for four voices (SSTT), perfectly fits such a setting. The text, in Italian, paints a vivid picture of love’s attributes: its nets, arrows, bow, and fire, alongside Venus, the Graces, smiles, and playful games. It describes the sweet mouth and breast of the beloved, Filli, and challenges anyone to look upon her and live without sighing. Pallavicino’s music would have captured this playful yet passionate sentiment with characteristic Renaissance polyphony.