Baciai per haver vita

This striking secular madrigal by Liberale Zanchi for SSATB voices sets a sonnet by Guarini. The text explores a paradox of love: the singer sought a kiss for life, but found death instead. Yet, this death is so welcome, so blissful, that he could never have wished for a happier fate while living, nor could he desire more. He describes how, kissing a beautiful face with a sweet mouth, his heart was stolen away. Zanchi's music would undoubtedly reflect the dramatic intensity and emotional contrast of these words, making it a compelling choice for a madrigal consort seeking expressive Renaissance part-music.