Strozzi – Le tre Grazie a Venere (1644)

“Strozzi – Le tre Grazie a Venere (1644)” translates to “The Three Graces to Venus” (or “The Three Graces to/before Venus”).

This is a secular vocal trio (madrigal) composed by Barbara Strozzi, published in her Il primo libro de’ madrigali (First Book of Madrigals) in Venice.

Key details regarding the work:

• Translation: “The Three Graces to Venus”.
• Composer: Barbara Strozzi (1619–1677).
• Publication: Il primo libro de’ madrigali (1644).
• Theme: A secular song (madrigal) that addresses Venus, likely referencing the Judgement of Paris, where the Three Graces often accompany her.
• Content: The lyrics feature the Graces encouraging Venus to show her beauty unadorned, only for her to hide it, acknowledging that withheld beauty is more alluring.