Con che soavità

Philippe de Monte was one of the most celebrated composers of the late 16th century, his madrigals widely circulated and admired. This exquisite setting, for five voices (SSATT), takes its text from Guarini's famous collection of poems, published in 1598. The words explore the delicate paradox of pleasure and pain, where kisses can be both enjoyed and missed, and where the soul lives through two opposing sensations. Monte's music captures the sensual beauty of the Italian text, its harmonies and melodic lines intertwining to reflect the sophisticated imagery of the words. It is a prime example of the secular polyphony of its era.