Care pupille amate

Care pupille amate paints a vivid picture of unreturned affection. The poet implores his beloved's eyes, asking why they do not return his gaze when he looks at them. He confesses that his sighs are solely for them, yet they scorn to be the life and support of his heart. Marco da Gagliano sets this Petrarchan lament for a rich SAATB choir. His setting of this Italian text showcases the expressive possibilities of the madrigal, a genre of secular part-music popular in the Renaissance. The composer’s skillful word-painting enhances the emotional directness of the poem, making it a poignant choice for mature choirs.