Chiudesti i lumi Armida

This dramatic Italian text depicts a scene of poignant farewell. The words lament that Armida, now departed, has closed her eyes, implying her death, and that even heaven begrudged her the comfort of her suffering. The speaker urges her to reopen her eyes, to see the bitter tears of her enemy, and to hear the sweet sound of his sighs. He offers what he can, a plea for a final parting, unseen by her. Domenico Mazzocchi’s SSATB setting captures this intense emotion with the rich textures typical of secular Renaissance part-music. The vocal lines intertwine to reflect the sorrow and tenderness of the lament.