Immerse yourself in the sacred and intricate world of Carlo Gesualdo's "Sacrae Cantiones Liber secundus," a masterful collection of motets for six and seven voices, meticulously reconstructed and performed by the renowned Vocalconsort Berlin under the direction of James Wood. Released in 2013, this album commemorates the 400th anniversary of Gesualdo's death, offering a rare opportunity to experience a work that has not been performed in centuries.
Carlo Gesualdo, the Prince of Venosa, was a prolific composer known for his madrigals, but his "Sacrae Cantiones" represents a profound shift in his musical expression. This album features 23 tracks that span a variety of themes, from prayers for salvation and despair to peace, hope, and praise. Each piece is a testament to Gesualdo's unique compositional style, blending complex harmonies with deeply spiritual texts.
The album's duration of one hour and nine minutes allows for a comprehensive exploration of Gesualdo's sacred music, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. The Vocalconsort Berlin delivers a stunning performance, capturing the essence of Gesualdo's intricate polyphony and the spiritual depth of his compositions. Whether you are a fan of medieval music, classical choral works, or simply appreciate the beauty of sacred music, this album is a treasure trove of artistic and spiritual richness.
2013 harmonia mundi2013 harmonia mundi
Tracks
Opening Canticle: MiserereCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Prayers for Salvation: I. Virgo benedictaCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Prayers for Salvation: V. O oriensCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Prayers for Salvation: XVI. O beata MaterCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Prayers for Salvation: XIII. Verba meaCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Prayers for Salvation: VIII. Veni Creator SpiritusCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Prayers for Salvation: IV. Ave sanctissima MariaCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Prayers for Salvation: III. Sana me DomineCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Despair and Weeping: VI. Discedite a me omnesCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Despair and Weeping: XIX. O anima sanctissimaCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Despair and Weeping: XIV. Ardens est cor meumCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Peace and Hope: II. Da pacem DomineCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Peace and Hope: XV. Ne derelinquas meCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Peace and Hope: XVIII. Franciscus humilis et pauperCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Peace and Hope: VII. Gaudeamus omnesCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Praise and Thanks: X. Adoramus te ChristeCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Praise and Thanks: IX. O sacrum conviviumCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Praise and Thanks: XVII. Ad te levaviCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Praise and Thanks: XII. Assumpta est MariaCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Praise and Thanks: XI. Veni sponsa ChristiCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Praise and Thanks: XX. Illumina nosCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood
Closing Canticle: BenedictusCarlo Gesualdo, Vocalconsort Berlin, James Wood