Donne leggiadre

Imagine a scene in the Italian countryside, perhaps in spring or summer, where singers gather in the open air. Teodoro Riccio’s secular canzone Donne leggiadre, for SATTB voices, would be perfectly suited for such a setting. The text humorously depicts millers offering their services to charming ladies. It speaks of grinding grain with gusto and singing together on the fresh grass, creating a lighthearted and idyllic atmosphere. This piece, written in Italian, would offer a choir a delightful opportunity to engage with Renaissance secular part-music and its often playful, earthy themes. The rich five-part voicing allows for intricate and engaging interplay between the parts.