As the previous piece combines a sinfonia and the first song, this is technically no 3 from Monteverdi's 7th book. "Non è di gentil core" This is a duet for two sopranos (cornet/trumpet) and the accompaniment have been reduced to 4 parts.

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 - like this one - will be in 6 or more parts.

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.