Dunque addio, SWV 15

Schütz's Dunque addio, a secular Italian madrigal for SSATB voices, offers a poignant reflection on parting and mortality. The text speaks of a final farewell to beloved natural surroundings, as the singer's soul, freed from unjust chains, returns to the shadows. The lyrics convey a profound sense of despair and a yearning for peace, as the speaker contemplates an afterlife where innocence and happiness are unattainable. This expressive work, showcasing Schütz's mastery of word painting and harmonic richness, would be a powerful addition to a programme of Renaissance or early Baroque part-music, particularly fitting for moments of contemplation or dramatic expression.