Polyphonic Meditations for “Miserable Times”

Philippe de Monte (1521–1603), possibly the most prolific madrigalist of the entire sixteenth century, was in addition one of the most productive in the special field of spiritual madrigals. In this article I survey Monte’s output, outline his idea of a spiritual madrigal and map the connections with contemporary culture and spirituality. The most notable influence is revealed to be that of the Society of Jesus: Jesuits were in fact among the dedicatees and authors/providers of the texts set.