Dive into the captivating world of Carlo Gesualdo's early madrigals with this exquisite collection, "Gesualdo: Madrigali, Libri primo & secondo." This album, released on October 25, 2019, under the Harmonia Mundi label, presents a stunning array of 40 tracks that span over an hour and twenty-one minutes, offering a profound exploration of Gesualdo's unique compositional style.
Carlo Gesualdo, a prince and count known for his notorious personal life, is celebrated for his innovative approach to music. His madrigals, vocal and polyphonic compositions based on secular poetry, are divided into six collections, or "libri." This album focuses on the first two books, showcasing Gesualdo's mastery of chromaticism and dissonance, which became signature elements of his musical language.
Under the musical direction of Paul Agnew and performed by the renowned ensemble Les Arts Florissants, this recording brings to life the intricate and expressive devices that define Gesualdo's work. The album features a diverse range of compositions, from the tender "Baci soavi, e cari" to the dramatic "Tirsi morir volea," each piece highlighting Gesualdo's ability to convey deep emotions through complex harmonies and textures.
The performances are marked by a personal touch, blending ductility and transparency with a luminous edge, as noted by critics. The ensemble's ability to bring out the unique qualities of Gesualdo's music makes this album a standout in the realm of Renaissance vocal music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of early music or a curious newcomer, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2019 harmonia mundi2019 Les Arts Florissants
Tracks
Baci soavi, e cari: I. Baci soavi, e cariCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Baci soavi, e cari: II. Quant'ha di dolce AmoreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madonna, io ben vorreiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Com'esser può ch'io viva se m'uccidiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Gelo ha Madonna il senoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Mentre Madonna il lasso fianco posa: I. Mentre Madonna il lasso fianco posaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Mentre Madonna il lasso fianco posa: II. Ahi, troppo saggia nell'errar; feliceCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Se da sì nobil mano: I. Se da sì nobil manoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Se da sì nobil mano: II. Amor, pace non cheroCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Sì gioioso mi fanno i dolor mieiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
O dolce mio martireCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Tirsi morir volea: I. Tirsi morir voleaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Tirsi morir volea: II. Frenò Tirsi 'l desioCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Mentre, mia stella, miriCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Non mirar, non mirareCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Questi leggiadri odorosetti fioriCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Felice primavera: I. Felice primaveraCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Felice primavera: II. Danzan le ninfe honeste, e i pastorelliCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Son sì belle le roseCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Bella Angioletta da le vaghe piumeCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Caro amoroso neo: I. Caro amoroso neoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Caro amoroso neo: II. Ma se tale ha costeiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Hai rotto, e sciolto, e spento a poco a pocoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Se per lieve ferita: I. Se per lieve feritaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Se per lieve ferita: II. Che sentir deve il petto mio che langueCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
In più leggiadro veloCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Se così dolce è il duolo: I. Se così dolce è il duoloCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Se così dolce è il duolo: II. Ma s'avverrà ch'io moiaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Se taccio, il duol s'avanzaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
O come è gran martire: I. O come è gran martireCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
O come è gran martire: II. O mio soave ardoreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Sento che nel partireCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Non è questa la mano: I. Non è questa la manoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Non è questa la mano: II. Né tien face, o saettaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Candida man, qual neve, a gl'occhi offerseCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Dalle odorate spoglie: I. Dalle odorate spoglieCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Dalle odorate spoglie: II. E quell'arpa feliceCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Non mai, non cangeròCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
All'apparir di quelle luci ardentiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Non mi toglia il ben moiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Carlo Gesualdo is a renowned artist known for his work within the medieval genre, creating a unique sound that showcases his distinctive style. His music is a testament to his innovative approach, blending traditional elements with a fresh perspective. With a focus on medieval influences, Carlo Gesualdo's compositions are a fascinating exploration of the era's rich musical heritage.
Vinylscout
Carlo Gesualdo
