Et io qual fui

This evocative Italian madrigal for SATT voices opens with a rich, polyphonic texture, characteristic of the genre. The interplay between the four parts creates a dense and expressive sound world. The text, set with delicate attention to its meaning, describes a moment of overwhelming emotion, where the speaker is struck speechless by love's intensity. Finding himself in a 'welcome state', he feels lost and fallen, believing himself dead to the world yet alive in his passion. This vivid depiction of amorous surrender is beautifully conveyed through Lasso's masterful command of vocal writing and harmonic colour, making it a compelling choice for a choir seeking to explore the expressive depth of Renaissance madrigals.