Al mio novo martire

Marco da Gagliano's Al mio novo martire is a secular madrigal for SATTB voices, written in Italian. The text vividly expresses the pain of unrequited love, with the singer describing himself as being in a state of suffering, longing, and near death due to the cruel beauty of his beloved's eyes, which hold the keys to his heart. The imagery of being a battered rock in a sea of sorrow further emphasizes his profound despair. This polyphonic setting captures the intense emotions of the Italian Renaissance madrigal tradition, offering a dramatic and expressive musical interpretation of the poetic lament.