Hor che verzosa e bella

Felice Anerio, a leading composer of the Roman School, wrote this delightful canzonetta for SSAT voices. The Italian text paints a vivid picture of spring's arrival, with nature awakening to the gentle breezes of Zephyr and Chloris. Birds sing, shepherds and nymphs gather, and even the streams and winds seem to pause in awe of the season's beauty. Anerio's setting captures the pastoral charm and gentle gaiety of the text, making it a perfect choice for a lighter moment in a concert programme. The four-part writing is agile and imitative, reflecting the playful spirit of the words.