Con quesse labra tuoi dolci rosate

This secular Italian madrigal for SSATTB voices paints a picture of pastoral love, sung by a shepherdess to her beloved. The text, set with considerable charm, describes her sweet words and the many kisses she offers him, evoking a tender scene of affection in a natural setting. Ferretti’s setting captures the lighthearted yet intimate nature of the lyrics, making it ideal for a moment of delicate expression and refined ensemble singing. The intricate vocal writing across its six parts allows for rich harmonic colours and expressive phrasing, characteristic of the Renaissance madrigal tradition.