This epic tale of lovers tossed by fate and fortune was once famous throughout Europe, inspiring hundreds of composers like Luca Marenzio. His seventh book of madrigals (1595) draws its texts from Guarini’s tragicomedy play Il pastor fido (the faithful shepherd). Following the courtship between two lovers, Amarilli and Martillo, this collection represents an important step between the 15th-century madrigal and 16th-century opera.