Filli cor del mio core

This expressive madrigal by Pomponio Nenna, set for SSATB voices, would make a poignant addition to a concert programme exploring Renaissance secular music. The Italian text paints a vivid picture of heartbreak and the lover’s desperate plea against separation. The composer responds with music that mirrors the text’s emotional intensity, creating a rich polyphonic texture. Nenna’s setting masterfully captures the anguish of being deprived of a loved one’s presence, leading to a powerful climax where the soul itself begs to depart with the beloved. This work offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for an accomplished choir to convey profound pathos through intricate vocal interplay.