Chi mi dimandara

This delightful Italian canzonetta for SATB voices captures the essence of Renaissance secular part-music. Composed by Hans Leo Hassler, the piece explores the paradoxical nature of love, described in the text as a 'sweet deception,' a 'pleasing error,' and a 'bitter joy.' The words paint a vivid picture of love's trials and tribulations, suggesting that lovers should flee from its grip, as serving an ungrateful master wastes time and effort. Its expressive Italian lyrics, set in Hassler's characteristic style, make it an ideal choice for a concert program seeking both musical sophistication and emotional depth. The directness of the text and its musical setting offer immediate appeal.