Crudel, di che peccato a doler t'hai

Hoste da Reggio's Crudel, di che peccato a doler t'hai is a secular madrigal for three voices (SAT) in Italian. The text expresses the singer's frustration and disbelief at their lover's cruelty, questioning why they should feel sorrow when they show no remorse for killing the one who loves them. The lyrics lament the lover's faithlessness and the torment inflicted upon the singer, even though they are loved. It is a passionate plea, questioning divine justice if such actions go unpunished and hinting at a desire for vengeance. This madrigal would be suitable for a consorts of voices in a Renaissance or early Baroque programme.