Crudel se t'è si grave

Hans Brachrogge, a composer from the late Renaissance, contributed this expressive madrigal, Crudel se t'è si grave. Written for treble voices (SSB), the work is set in Italian and explores themes of unrequited love and playful defiance. The text opens with a speaker addressing a cruel lover, lamenting that a kiss taken has caused such distress. In a dramatic turn, the speaker offers the kiss back, emphatically stating they no longer want it either. This short, spirited piece would be an engaging addition to any secular vocal program, showcasing the characteristic emotional intensity and textual engagement found in madrigal repertoire.