Felice l'alma

Alessandro Striggio was a master of the Italian madrigal, and Felice l'alma is a fine example of his secular part-music. Composed for SATTB voices, this piece explores a text of intense personal longing and desire. The poet expresses happiness in the very act of yearning for a beloved, lamenting the infrequency of their presence and the resulting anguish. Striggio's setting captures the heightened emotion of the words, creating a rich and complex texture for the five voices. The intricate interplay between the vocal lines reflects the emotional turmoil and passionate plea of the text, offering a compelling challenge for an accomplished choir.