Ay, que non hay

Juan del Encina was a leading figure of the Spanish Renaissance, and this work is a fine example of the villancico genre. Written for SATB choir, its Spanish text expresses deep lament and sorrow over the separation from a loved one. The opening lines, '¡Ay que non hay!' convey a profound sense of loss and emptiness. The lyrics vividly describe the beloved being taken captive by 'Moriscos de allende' (Moors from afar), evoking images of chains and a Moorish lock. This setting captures the dramatic and emotional core of the text, making it a powerful choice for a cappella performance.