Corrò la fresca, e matutina rosa

Marco Antonio de Pordenon’s setting of Corrò la fresca, e matutina rosa is a five-voice (SATTB) madrigal from the Italian Renaissance. The composer responds to Ludovico Ariosto’s text with an expressive musical setting. The poem, taken from Canto primo of Orlando Furioso, speaks of the poet’s determination to pursue his beloved, comparing himself to the morning rose that risks wilting if not picked. He resolves not to be deterred by feigned disdain or sadness, but to pursue his desire. The music reflects this narrative with varied textures and imitative lines, creating a rich and complex sound-world that captures the passion of the text.