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Gesualdo - Secondo Libro di Madrigali (1594) | Glossa GCD922809

Gesualdo - Secondo Libro di Madrigali (1594)

£14.51

In stock - available for despatch within 1 working day

Label: Glossa

Cat No: GCD922809

Barcode: 8424562228092

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 1

Genre: Vocal/Choral

Release Date: 18th October 2019

Gramophone Editor's Choice

Contents

Artists

La Compagnia del Madrigale

Works

Gesualdo, Carlo

Madrigali libro secondo (Madrigals Book 2)

Artists

La Compagnia del Madrigale

About

The Second Book of Madrigals of Carlo Gesualdo provides the focal point for the latest in La Compagnia del Madrigale’s stunning reappraisals of the glories of the Italian madrigal on Glossa.

Probably written by Gesualdo between the time of the double honour killing of his first wife and her lover and his subsequent remarriage, the second book presents a sophisticated compositional mastery quite in keeping with the later books, albeit offering a calmer and gentler approach compared to the more tortured and twisted musical and psychological turns found in the last books.

Notwithstanding, much is required from the singers on the Secondo libro di madrigali a cinque voci and La Compagnia del Madrigale bring their much-praised sensitivity to the text, balance of ensemble and dynamic control.

In the booklet, both Marco Bizzarini and Giuseppe Maletto investigate the state of mind of this fascinating composer, over four centuries since his death. The substantial second part to this recording offers a set of contrasts with Book 2: nine tracks devoted to madrigalists inspired by Gesualdo’s style, from contemporaries in Pomponio Nenna, Giovanni de Macque and Giuseppe Palazzotto Tagliavia to the later Sigismondo d’India. A veritable bonus!

Reviews

These are near-flawless readings, effortlessly poised and formally legible. Their responses to textual and musical cues are never overdrawn but subtle and even humorous (the sense of ensemble at ‘subito sparve’ in ‘All’apparir di quelle luce’ forces admiration, but also a smile). ... But there’s another reason to invest in La Compagnia’s recording, which includes a very generous helping of madrigals by lesser-known but crucial figures. More than mere bonus tracks, they situate Gesualdo in his proper environment.  Fabrice Fitch
Gramophone January 2020

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