Chi brama di veder

Tiburtio Massaino's Chi brama di veder paints a vivid contrast between divine beauty and earthly temptation. The text opens by suggesting that those who desire to see divine beauty and hear sweet words should listen to and behold the 'Illustre Pellegrina' (Illustrious Pilgrim). However, it warns that those who wish to live freely and avoid death should close their ears and avert their gaze from her. The madrigal, set for SATB voices in Italian, cautions that the Pilgrim, promising delight and hope, can be more dangerous than mythical beasts, hiding death within life. This secular Renaissance part-song explores themes of spiritual aspiration versus carnal desire.