Dolce mi son gl'affanni

This Italian madrigal from the Renaissance is set for a five-part choir (SSATB). The text expresses a paradoxical delight in suffering and deception, where the pain inflicted upon the heart is described as sweet, leading to a gentle death. The singer finds solace and acceptance in this lover's torment, stating that if it pleases the beloved, they will remain in peace. Benedetto Pallavicino's setting captures the intricate interplay of emotions characteristic of the genre, making it suitable for concert programming seeking expressive Renaissance polyphony.