Feritevi ferite

Salamone Rossi was a prominent composer of the early Baroque period, working in Mantua. This secular madrigal for SSATB voices showcases the Italian madrigal tradition at its height. The text, by Giambattista Marino, uses vivid, almost paradoxical imagery of snakes, bites, weapons, and wounds to describe the passionate, yet ultimately loving, nature of desire and affection. Rossi responds with music that is both intricate and expressive, reflecting the complex emotions of the text. The five-part writing allows for rich harmonic colours and dynamic interplay between the voices, creating a dramatic and engaging musical experience for performers and listeners alike.