Alma cortese e bella

Giovanni Gabrieli’s Alma cortese e bella is a secular madrigal for three voices (SST). The music opens with a close imitation between the voices, establishing a rich, polyphonic texture. The text expresses a plea from a lover to his beloved, begging her not to let him die of fear and boredom. He asks her to free his body and make his soul her servant. If she disdains such humble lordship, he implores her to give him to another, suggesting that perhaps among shepherds or farmers he might find sweeter hours. The interplay of the voices creates a vibrant and expressive setting of this Renaissance text.