Amor vuol far un gioco

Luca Marenzio’s Amor vuol far un gioco is a secular Italian madrigal for treble voices (SSB). It sets a text that describes Love inviting his courtiers to a game of chance. The stakes are high: for some, the rewards might be a lover’s glance, a smile, a word, or a kiss; for others, there are only tears, complaints, disdain, suspicion, burning sighs, ice, torment, chains, and snares. The poet lists the possible prizes and penalties with vivid imagery, and the text concludes with lovers being asked to cast their vote, hoping to receive the ultimate prize. This piece would suit a choir looking for expressive, dramatic Renaissance part-music with a distinctive vocal colour.