In 1970 I came across a four line verse written by Michelangelo and it blew me
away! These lines moved me deeply, and there came about this little trio setting.
Michelangelo actually wrote many Petrarchan sonnets, and it was about 50 years
before I finally tracked down a copy of those sonnets, including The Speech of
Night, translated by J. Addington Symonds (1912). These four lines are a brilliant
little gem; performances have received great praise! They must never be rushed;
they are introspective, contemplative – they need time to unfold!