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.

Tu dormi? means "Are you sleeping" The next phrase "Oh cruel heart" gives the clue that we are listening to our young man's unrequited feelings again!

It appears he has had his wicked way once already but now she is sleeping.

This is the first song for a quartet of Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass.

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.