Ella mi fece

Philippe de Monte was a prolific composer of the later Renaissance, whose output included a large number of madrigals. This example, for SATTB voices, is a fine specimen of the secular Italian part-music of its time. The text expresses the singer's gratitude to his beloved, who has graced him with her favour and affection for ten years. He describes how his heart was nourished by sweet emotions, and how he lived in such a happy state that he believed he would die a blessed man.