Ditemi o donna mia

Alessandro Striggio’s Ditemi o donna mia is a secular Italian madrigal for SSATB voices. The text paints a vivid scene of a lover consumed by the fire of unrequited love, questioning his beloved about the source of his torment. He describes himself as burning from within and without, consumed by flames and passion, and wonders what cruel fate has reduced him to tears. Striggio’s setting, characteristic of the Renaissance madrigal, masterfully captures the emotional intensity and dramatic imagery of the poetry. The complex vocal interplay between the five parts reflects the singer’s inner turmoil and desperate plea for an explanation.