Felice chi vi mira

Leone Leoni's Felice chi vi mira is a rich five-part madrigal, perfect for a concert programme. Its Italian text speaks of happiness, escalating from the joy of simply beholding a beautiful woman, to the greater bliss of yearning for her, and finally to the supreme delight of causing her to yearn in return. The composer weaves this effusive sentiment through the SSATB voices with flowing melodic lines and expressive harmony. The text's progression from hopeful admiration to mutual affection offers a wonderful opportunity for dynamic contrast and nuanced interpretation by an accomplished choir.