Ay, triste que vengo

Juan del Encina's Ay, triste que vengo is a charming example of the Spanish villancico, a genre of secular part-music popular during the Renaissance. Sung in three parts for treble, bass, and boy soprano (STB), its Spanish text speaks of a shepherd overcome by love. The opening lines convey a sense of regret, that the singer would rather not have gone to the market than to have returned so smitten. The music is likely to have been enjoyed in informal gatherings or celebrations, typical of the era's secular vocal music. Its direct, heartfelt expression makes it an appealing choice for choirs seeking to explore the rich tradition of Spanish Renaissance song.