Dolce spirto d'Amore

Benedetto Pallavicino was a composer of secular madrigals active in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This five-voice setting, Dolce spirto d'Amore, is a fine example of the Italian madrigal tradition. The text speaks of love's sweet spirit, received in a sigh, which breathes life into the singer's heart as he gazes upon his beloved's face. It describes how such value is gained from that beautiful mouth, which he touches with a sigh. The composer’s skillful writing for SSATB voices captures the emotional intensity of the text, making it a rich and rewarding choice for a chamber choir.