Alma afflitta che fai?

This SSATB madrigal by Antonio Cifra opens with a sense of searching and questioning, the voices weaving together in intricate polyphony. The music reflects the poignant Italian text, which speaks of an afflicted soul, questioning life and love in the absence of a beloved. The composer's skill is evident in the way the vocal lines express the text's melancholy and philosophical reflections on unrequited or departed love, creating a rich and expressive dialogue between the singers. It is a fine example of secular part-music from the late Renaissance or early Baroque period, showcasing the expressive potential of the madrigal form.