Have I found her

For a chamber choir, Thomas Bateson’s Have I found her offers a delightful exploration of Renaissance secular part-music. This SSATB madrigal sets an English text that expresses the joy and wonder of finding an object of profound admiration, described as goddess-like with hair bound in pearl and gold. The composer captures the poetic sentiment with music that emphasizes devotion and a plea to be eternally bound to the object of affection. Bateson’s skilled writing for five voices allows for rich harmonies and intricate contrapuntal lines, making this a charming and expressive addition to a programme of early vocal music.