Così, cor mio, vogliate

This secular Italian madrigal for SATB voices comes from the Renaissance master Orlando di Lasso. The text, from Ariosto's epic poem Orlando Furioso, paints a poignant scene where the speaker implores his beloved to continue loving him even after his death. He expresses that his only true sorrow is not the prospect of dying, but the thought of leaving her behind, unguided. He longs for his final breath to be taken in her embrace, finding solace and fulfillment in such a moment, even in death. Lasso's setting captures the emotional intensity and lyrical beauty of the poetry, making it a powerful example of Renaissance polyphony.