Ha di Serpe il velen

Sigismondo d'India was a leading composer of madrigals in early 17th-century Italy. His SSATB setting of Ha di Serpe il velen is a fine example of the genre, showcasing his skill in word painting and expressive harmony. The text, a secular poem, describes a fleeting herb with the venom of a serpent and the bite of a tiger, yet paradoxically appears angelic with sweetness and grace. D'India's music vividly captures these contrasting images, moving from dramatic intensity to delicate lyricism. The madrigal demands accomplished singers capable of nuanced dynamic shaping and sensitive phrasing, making it a rewarding challenge for an accomplished choir.