Cupido hor su che fai

Girolamo Belli was an Italian composer of the late Renaissance. This secular madrigal is written for an impressive SATTTB choir, demanding a rich and complex vocal texture. The text, sung in Italian, describes the singer's unrequited love, lamenting that Cupid, rather than offering aid, seems to flee. The music likely reflects the emotional turmoil of the text, with the composer using the large choir to explore contrasts and dramatic effects. The setting is in two parts, suggesting a development of the poetic narrative and musical ideas.