Carlo Gesualdo's 'Gesualdo: Madrigali, Libri quinto & sesto' is a mesmerising collection of madrigals that showcases the composer's innovative and bold approach to music. Released on 10 March 2023 via harmonia mundi, this 2-hour and 18-minute album is a testament to Gesualdo's incredible modernity, as he masterfully weaves together dissonances and chromaticisms to create a unique sound.
The album features a selection of madrigals from Gesualdo's fifth and sixth books, which were originally published between 1595 and 1596. These works are characterised by their audacious harmonies, which embracingly clash and combine to convey the intense emotions of love, death, joy, and sorrow. Gesualdo's use of dissonance and chromaticism was unparalleled in his time, and this album is a stunning example of his groundbreaking style.
With its rich, medieval soundscapes, 'Gesualdo: Madrigali, Libri quinto & sesto' is an album that will appeal to fans of early music and those looking to discover something new and exciting. Carlo Gesualdo's music is a true masterpiece, and this album is a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the works of this visionary composer.
2023 Les Arts Florissants / harmonia mundi2023 Les Arts Florissants / harmonia mundi
Tracks
Madrigals, Book 5: Gioite voi col cantoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: S'io non miro, non moroCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Itene, o miei sospiriCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Dolcissima mia vitaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: O dolorosa gioiaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Qual fora, donna, un dolce "oimè" d'AmoreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Felicissimo sonnoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Se vi duol il mio duoloCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Occhi del mio cor vitaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Languisce al fin chi dalla vita parteCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Mercè, grido piangendoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: O voi, troppo feliciCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Correte amanti a provaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Asciugate i begli occhiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Tu m'uccidi, o crudeleCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Deh, coprite il bel senoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Poiché l'avida sete (Pt. 1)Carlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Poiché l'avida sete (Pt. 2)Carlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: O tenebroso giornoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: Se tu fuggi, io non restoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 5: T'amo mia vita, la mia cara vitaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Se la mia morte bramiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Beltà, poiché t'assentiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Tu piangi, o Fille miaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Resta di darmi noiaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Chiaro risplender suoleCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Io parto, e non più dissi ché 'l doloreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Mille volte il dì moroCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: O dolce mio tesoroCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Deh, com' invan sospiroCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Io pur respiro in così gran doloreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Alme d'Amor rubelleCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Candido e verde fioreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Ardita zanzarettaCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Ardo per te, mio bene, ma l'ardoreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Ancide sol la morteCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Quel "nò" crudel che la mia speme anciseCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Moro, lasso, al mio duoloCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Volan quasi farfalleCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Al mio gioir il ciel si fa serenoCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Tu segui, o bella CloriCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Anchor che per amarti io mi consumiCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Già piansi nel doloreCarlo Gesualdo, Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
Madrigals, Book 6: Quando ridente, e bellaCarlo 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.