Lauridsen's earliest collection and displays characteristics that recur in all of his music,:
1) lyrical vocal lines,
2) rhythmic vitality,
3) sophisticated contrapuntal procedures
4) sensitive and effective musical settings that complement the text. Based on the poems of Thomas Carew and Ben Jonson the Four Madrigals are designated SATB Chorus with optional flute, bassoon, violin, cello, and tambourine.