Ah! cruel Amarillis

John Wilbye was one of the foremost composers of English madrigals, and this setting for SSA voices exemplifies the genre's expressive power. The text laments the cruelty of the beloved Amarillis, whose indifference causes the singer such pain that death is welcomed as a release. Wilbye's music vividly captures the sorrowful mood, with poignant harmonies and a flowing melodic line that perfectly conveys the anguish and despair of the text. The short, direct English verses lend themselves to a clear and dramatic musical setting, making this a compelling choice for a choir seeking to explore the rich tradition of English Renaissance part-music.