Gravi pene in amor

This secular Italian madrigal for STB voices explores the profound pains of love. The composer depicts a lover who has experienced the majority of these suffering, to their own detriment. These sorrows are so well-gathered that the singer can speak of them as if by art. They have spoken of this before, both vocally and in writing, contrasting slight ailments with those that are bitter and fierce. The singer implores the listener to believe their true judgment on the matter. Arcadelt's setting captures the complex emotions of the text, offering a rich and expressive experience for a small vocal ensemble.