Dammi, deh, dammi amore

Scipione Dentice’s Dammi, deh, dammi amore is a striking Italian madrigal for SATB voices, drawn from Angelo Grillo’s collection Pietosi affetti. The text, a fervent plea for love, speaks of giving oneself entirely to another, with the beloved’s reciprocal gift of love being the ultimate treasure. Dentice’s setting masterfully captures the passionate text, typical of the secular Italian Renaissance tradition of madrigal composition. The intricate interplay of the four voices reflects the textual theme of mutual devotion and the desire for complete union. This work would be an excellent addition to a concert programme exploring the expressive capabilities of unaccompanied vocal ensemble.