Il Duca Astolfo e la compagnia bella

This secular Italian madrigal for SATB voices depicts a dramatic scene from the Orlando Furioso. The text describes Duke Astolfo and his companions, who, upon hearing a commotion, quickly arm themselves and ride out to investigate. They arrive to find a ferocious man single-handedly devastating the battlefield. Jacquet de Berchem's setting captures the narrative energy and inherent drama of Ariosto's epic poem, offering a vivid musical interpretation of this moment of action and confrontation. The piece is characteristic of the rich and varied output of the late Renaissance madrigal tradition, showcasing the composer's skill in musical storytelling.