Habbi pietade, Amore

This delightful five-part madrigal by Giovanni Antonio Cirullo sets a secular Italian text expressing the singer's plea to Love. The poet implores Love to have pity on his afflicted heart, which burns with a living flame for the one to whom his torments have always been grateful. He begs Love not to allow his suffering to continue any longer. Written for SSATB voices, this is a fine example of Renaissance part-music, suitable for a concert programme or a masterclass focusing on the Italian madrigal tradition.