Deh, s'io potessi haver

This rich SATB madrigal by Philippe de Monte opens with a flowing, imitative texture. The composer explores the heartfelt Italian text, which speaks of a lover's frustration at being unable to fully praise his lady, fearing that such words might displease her. He laments that because he cannot express his adoration and she shuns such talk, he must live in eternal sorrow. De Monte crafts intricate vocal lines that reflect the emotional depth of the poetry, creating a compelling work of Renaissance secular part-music.