Come la cera al foco

This powerful SSATTB madrigal by Orlando di Lasso opens with imitative entries, soon blossoming into rich homophonic textures. The composer expertly crafts a dramatic musical setting for the Italian text, which speaks of life's fleeting nature. Comparing human existence to wax melting at the fire, the lyrics lament how worldly troubles, joys, and affections gradually consume us, only to be ultimately extinguished by the celestial flames of divine love, as expressed in Stanza 7 of Oda alla Carità. Lasso's masterful control of dissonance and vocal colour vividly portrays the text's emotional arc, making this a compelling exploration of mortal frailty and spiritual transcendence.