Monteverdi - The Seventh Book of Madrigals (1619) - 16. S'el vostro cor Madonna a7 by Claudio Monteverdi Cornet - Digital Sheet Music

At long last I have nearly finished the 7th book. This book has posed some issues as it is such complex music it is almost impossible to cut it down to 5 parts while maintaining its integrity. As a result, some songs will be in 6 or more parts.

S'el vostro cor, Madonna is set as a tenor and bass duet. Monteverdi tries out many different combinations of voices in this book as he works to build the different tools which will eventually all find their way into opera. The first lines translate as "If your heart, Lady, So soft towards others" and is a plea from an obviously love-stricken young man to the object of his desires who favours another.

The seventh book is quite a change from the earlier ones. Monteverdi seems to be concentrating on developing solos and duets, trios and small accompanied ensembles. The accompaniments are often written out with more than just long note chords. The intricate instrumental parts are more than just filling in the harmony (hence the difficulty in paring them down.)

Once again, these songs are exquisitely crafted and travel well onto brass.