Herbosi prati e liete valli amene

Herbosi prati e liete valli amene paints a vivid pastoral scene, with the poet addressing verdant meadows, joyous valleys, shady woods, and lonely mountains. This Italian secular madrigal, set for SATTB voices, describes a soul burdened by constant suffering, whose eyes have become fountains of tears. The text speaks of an impending death, brought on by love and cruel fate. Alessandro Striggio’s setting captures the expressive nature of the text, creating a rich and poignant musical reflection on despair within a natural landscape.