Da gli aspri colpi

Philippe de Monte's Da gli aspri colpi is a secular Italian madrigal for SAATB voices. This work vividly portrays the torment of love's assault. The text describes the singer, at peace and engrossed in study, suddenly struck by love's arrow. He cries out in surprise, only for love to vanish like the wind, leaving his soul divided between icy dread and burning passion. Monte's music masterfully captures these conflicting emotions, making it a compelling choice for madrigal groups seeking to explore the dramatic and expressive possibilities of Renaissance vocal polyphony. It would suit a concert programme exploring themes of love and its capricious nature.