Dissi a l'amata mia lucida stella

Marenzio’s madrigal opens with a bright, declamatory phrase, rapidly passed between the voices. The SATB setting of this Italian text, which speaks of the pains of love, employs a rich, imitative texture. The composer’s word-painting is evident as the soprano sings of burning flames, with the texture becoming more agitated. The dialogue between the lover and his beloved star culminates in a plea to die, met by the star’s wry reply: “Yes, you will die, but not by my will.” This piece is a fine example of the secular Italian madrigal tradition of the late Renaissance.