Dive into the intricate and captivating world of Carlo Gesualdo's madrigals with "Gesualdo: Madrigali, Libri terzo & quarto." This exquisite collection, released on February 5, 2021, under the Harmonia Mundi label, offers a profound exploration of Gesualdo's third and fourth books of madrigals, composed during his time in Ferrara. Spanning a rich duration of 1 hour and 37 minutes, this album is a testament to Gesualdo's unique compositional style, characterized by its chromaticism and expressive depth.
Performed by the renowned ensemble Les Arts Florissants under the direction of Paul Agnew, this recording brings to life the intricate harmonies and dramatic contrasts that define Gesualdo's madrigals. From the haunting beauty of "Voi volete ch'io mora" to the passionate intensity of "Languisco, e moro, ahi, cruda!" and the serene elegance of "Luci serene, e chiare," each track offers a glimpse into the composer's innovative approach to vocal music.
Gesualdo, an Italian nobleman and composer, is celebrated for his madrigals, which push the boundaries of Renaissance polyphony. This album, featuring works from the "Terzo libro di madrigali" (1595) and the "Libro quarto," showcases his mastery of the form and his ability to convey a wide range of human experiences through music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Renaissance music or a curious newcomer, this album promises an enriching and immersive listening experience.
2021 harmonia mundi2021 harmonia mundi / Les Arts Florissants
Tracks
Voi volete ch'io mora: I. Voi volete ch'io moraCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Voi volete ch'io mora: II. Moro, o non moro?Carlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Ahi, disperata vitaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Languisco, e moro, ahi, cruda!Carlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Del bel de' bei vostri occhiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Ahi, dispietata e crudaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Dolce spirto d'amoreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Sospirava il mio core: I. Sospirava il mio coreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Sospirava il mio core: II. O mal nati messaggi e mal intesiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Veggio sì dal mio soleCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Non t'amo, o voce ingrataCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Meraviglia d'amore: I. Meraviglia d'amoreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Meraviglia d'amore: II. Ed ardo e vivo, dolc'aura graditaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Crudelissima dogliaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Se piange ohimè la donna del mio coreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Ancidetemi pur, grievi martiriCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Se vi miro pietosaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Deh, se già fu crudele al mio martireCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Dolcissimo sospiroCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Donna, se m'ancideteCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Luci serene, e chiareCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Tal'hor sano desioCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Io tacerò, ma nel silentio mio: I. Io tacerò, ma nel silentio mioCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Io tacerò, ma nel silentio mio: II. In van dunque, o crudeleCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Che fai meco, mio cor misero e soloCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Questa crudele, e piaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Hor ch'in gioia credea viver contento: I. Hor ch'in gioia credea viver contentoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Hor ch'in gioia credea viver contento: II. O sempre crudo AmoreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Cor mio, deh, non piangete: I. Cor mio, deh, non piangeteCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Cor mio, deh, non piangete: II. Dunque non m'offendeteCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Sparge la morte al mio signor nel visoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Moro, e mentre sospiro: I. Moro, e mentre sospiroCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Moro, e mentre sospiro: II. Quando di lui la sospirata vitaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Mentre gira costeiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
A voi, mentre il mio coreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Ecco, morirò dunque: I. Ecco, morirò dunqueCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Ecco, morirò dunque: II. Ahi! già mi discoloroCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Arde 'l mio cor, ed è sì dolce il focoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Se chiudete nel coreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Il sol, qual hor più splende: I. Il sol, qual hor più splendeCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Il sol, qual hor più splende: II. Volgi mia luce, volgi entro 'l mio senoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew