Dive into the captivating world of Renaissance polyphony with Carlo Gesualdo's "Madrigali, Libri terzo & quarto," a stunning collection of madrigals that showcase the composer's unique and expressive style. This album, released on Harmonia Mundi, is the second installment in Paul Agnew and Les Arts Florissants' complete cycle of Gesualdo's madrigals, following the acclaimed success of their previous release, which was crowned best Early Music recording at the 2020 Gramophone Awards.
Recorded at the Philharmonie de Paris, this double album features 41 tracks spanning over an hour and thirty-seven minutes, offering a rich and immersive experience of Gesualdo's Ferrara period. The madrigals in Books III and IV mark a significant turning point in Gesualdo's output, reflecting the composer's inner turmoil and heightened expressiveness.
Les Arts Florissants, under the direction of Paul Agnew, deliver a top-quality performance, bringing to life the intricate and evocative compositions of Carlo Gesualdo. The ensemble's mastery of Renaissance vocal techniques and their deep understanding of Gesualdo's unique style make this album a standout in the world of early music.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Voi volete ch'io mora" to the intense and dramatic "Ecco, morirò dunque," each madrigal is a testament to Gesualdo's genius and his ability to convey deep human emotions through music. The album is a treasure trove for fans of Renaissance music and early vocal polyphony, offering a rare opportunity to explore the works of one of the most innovative composers of the era.
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of early music or a newcomer to the genre, "Madrigali, Libri terzo & quarto" promises a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's high-quality production and the exceptional performances by Les Arts Florissants ensure that every nuance of Gesualdo's compositions is brought to life, making this a truly unforgettable collection.
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
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.
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Carlo Gesualdo
