Dulces exuviae

This setting of Virgil's text from the Aeneid is a poignant reflection on mortality and regret. Lasso's SATTB and SSATTB choir is asked to convey the dying words of Queen Dido, addressing her lover Aeneas. The text speaks of a life fulfilled, of great deeds accomplished and a city built, but ultimately expresses sorrow that destiny led her to Troy. It culminates in her brave, albeit unavenged, acceptance of death, finding solace in joining her husband in the underworld. This is powerful, dramatic Renaissance part-music, suitable for a choir seeking to explore intense human emotion through a classical text.